Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Charles Masange – TPAZ Vice President
The Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) says the solution to the illegal harvesting and export of the Mukula tree lies in government reducing export duty and giving out more timber licenses to producers.
TPAZ Vice President Charles Masange tells QTV News that engaging the Zambia Army and other security wings to curb the illegal harvest is not the solution.
Mr Masange has advised government to consider recruiting more forestry officers as opposed to engaging soldiers.
He adds that as long as government does not engage the relevant stakeholders in the wood sector, the challenge of illegal harvest and export of Mukula will prove to be difficult for government to handle.
Mr Masange regrets that all the submissions his association has been making to the government through the Ministry of Lands and Environmental Protection have not been taken seriously, noting that this could be one of the reasons why this challenge has persisted.