admin
Manicaland Bureau
Traditional leaders and law enforcement agents have to undertake awareness campaigns aimed at helping preserve and safeguard the environment, especially tree plantations.
In a speech read on her behalf yesterday by Forest Commission of Zimbabwe chairperson Commissioner Ellen Gwaradzimba at the launch of Allied Timbers’ 10-year Reforestation ceremony, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said forests needed to be protected from veld fire.
“Traditional leaders, police, prison officers and politicians, you must undertake awareness campaigns that are aimed at preserving the forests,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri bemoaned the continued increase in illegal settlers whom she said were contributing to the numerous cases of veld fires being reported.
She urged Government to put in place measures and laws to curb the surge in illegal settlements, especially in forest plantations.
“We have faced some challenges of veld fires,” said the minister. “We are appealing to stakeholders and locals to stop fires, which are destroying a lot of timber. We are also faced with challenges of illegal settlers in timber plantations.
“We are appealing to Government to put in place laws that prohibit people from settling anywhere in timber plantations.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri urged law enforcement agents to deal with those who steal timber.
Allied Timbers’ reforestation programme is being considered as part of Government’s 100-day plan.
Allied Timbers is set to plant 6 000 trees each year for the next 10 years. According to Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, Allied Timbers has to adopt new technologies and explore new markets.
“The situation has improved and there is need for more timber, which means the company should adopt new technologies,” she said.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri called for sustainable timber plantations, which face the risk of being exhausted within the next 10 years.
“Planting alone is not enough,” she said. “I know there are other challenges like keeping the planted area free of weeds, preventing baboon damage and protecting the trees against fire.
Chiefs and local communities should also help look after the trees. I commend Allied Timbers for their bravery.
“They have smelt the coffee, which is being served by the new Government. His Excellency, President E.D. Mnangagwa, has pointed the way firmly — we have to restore sustainability in the forestry sector. We cannot conclude the President’s 100-day programme without acting on sustainability of our plantation forests,” she said.
Allied Timbers chief executive officer Mr Dan Sithole promised to preserve timber forests for economic growth.
Online Reporter