Govt to Introduce Stiffer Penalties for Illegal Timber Harvesting
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, MP, has announced that the government is in the process of introducing legislation to impose stiffer penalties on officers aiding illegal timber harvesting.
Speaking during a courtesy call on North Western Province Minister Hon. Robert Lihefu at the Provincial Administration in Solwezi, Hon. Mposha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting timber species and forest reserves.
Hon. Mposha emphasized that the government will not tolerate any forest officers involved in illegal timber activities. “We are determined to put an end to the illegal timber trade and will introduce legislation that imposes severe punishment on officers found aiding such activities,” he stated.
During his visit, Hon. Mposha inspected the Zambia Meteorological Department’s automated weather station at Solwezi Urban Primary School and Solwezi Airport, where he held productive meetings with staff members. The Minister also toured the Forestry Department in Kitwe and Solwezi Districts.
In Ndola, he urged the Forestry Department to secure the title for their nursery land to prevent encroachment, highlighting this during his visit to Chichele Nursery.
Hon. Mposha expressed satisfaction with the work being done in the Copperbelt and North Western Provinces, commending the staff for their dedication and urging them to continue their commendable efforts.
The Minister acknowledged various issues raised by both the Meteorological and Forestry departments, including encroachment on forest reserves, low staffing levels, limited office space, and inadequate vehicles and motorbikes.
He assured the departments that the government is aware of these challenges and is committed to addressing them to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.
