adminMidlands Bureau Chief
THE introduction of cash power by Zesa Holdings has resulted in the upsurge of illegal firewood trading in the country, Midlands’ Forestry Commission provincial forestry extension manager Mr Maxwell Phiri said. In an interview on the sidelines of an all stakeholders in Gweru on the control of trade and movement of firewood, timber and other forestry produce, Mr Phiri said firewood poaching was rampant in peri-urban and resettlement areas.
“The problem of deforestation and illegal trading in firewood intensified soon after Zesa introduced the pre-paid system. Most of the firewood is from peri-urban and resettlement areas,” said Mr Phiri.
He said the problem of firewood poaching was widespread.
“This is happening everywhere in Zimbabwe. The problem is there in Kwekwe, Gokwe Town, Gweru, Shurugwi and Zvishavane. We suspect a number of people cannot afford the electricity hence they have turned to wood,” he said.
Under the new dispensation, consumers have to pay cash upfront for electricity unlike in the past when they used electricity and paid at the end of the month.
Mr Phiri said the Government promulgated a new law last year, Statutory Instrument 116 of 2012, designed to curb deforestation through mainly controlling trade in timber and other forestry produce.
“Under the new law, if there is movement of timber from one place to another, those involved need a Timber Moving permit. The movement of firewood needs to be accompanied by a timber moving permit as well,” said Mr Phiri.
Online Reporter