Friday, March 29, 2024

Increased demand for timber for construction threatens Luangwa forest reserves

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Luangwa District Commissioner Julius Sikasote has expressed worry that increased demand for timber for construction purposes may deplete the local forest reserves.

Mr. Sikasote said this demand has led to the increase in illegal cutting down of trees for timber production.

He has since cautioned Luangwa residents against engaging in illegal cutting down of trees and urged the Forestry department to enhance surveillance activities to curb the scourge.

Mr. Sikasote also said there was need to promote sensitization on the importance of preserving trees in the district.

The District Commissioner said the district can only sustain infrastructure development if the cutting down of trees is controlled and well managed.

And Luangwa District Forestry Officer Evans Simwanza said his department was working in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to curb the illegal cutting down of trees for timber.

Mr. Simwanza said the department has been carrying out patrols in the forest areas to control the cutting down of trees.

“We have seen people cut down trees for timber while others are doing it for charcoal,” he said.

He has meanwhile disclosed that the department of forestry collected revenue amounting to K47, 983.23 in the fourth quarter of the year 2020 from the production timber, charcoal and reed-mats.

“We also confiscated timber worth K12, 042.17 in the last quarter of 2020,” he said.

Mr. Simwanza explained that the confiscated timber was auctioned by the local court in the district.

He further revealed that the forestry department planted 1,700 Eucalyptus seedlings to extend the plantations in the areas by two hectares.

4 COMMENTS

  1. “Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we cannot eat money.”

  2. “…He has meanwhile disclosed that the department of forestry collected revenue amounting to K47, 983.23 in the fourth quarter of the year 2020 from the production timber, charcoal and reed-mats…….”

    There in is the problem……you are a money making department , not one to look after reserve forests .,…….

    Its like GRZ game rangers have a bush biltong business…….

  3. Cage any illegal tree cutters and just beat them in front of their communities so as to send a strong message. That is the only way some uncivilized people listen

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  4. The cartel started this habit.

    Lungu has presided over so many wrongs that it will take generations to repair if we are lucky.

    Now he is printing money so they can hand out during campaigns. This has resulted in inflation and high prices of stuff.

    Money laundering is at its highest.

    This is not the Zambia we want.

    Vote wisely.

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