Chambeshi river catchment encroached

Over forty (40) percent of the Chambeshi river catchment area  in northern province has been encroached so far.

Addressing Journalists after the rural electrification authority (REA) delegation paid a courtesy call on chief Lwiimbo of the Mambwe speaking people in Mbala district, Northern province forests officer Godfrey Musonda says there is need to curb deforestation at the catchment area which is sitting on the Chambeshi headwater forest reserve p150 which was degazetted in 1963.

Mr Musonda has stressed the need to prevent the further encroachment of the catchment area to avoid the consequences on human life.

He warns that if the encroachment reaches 60%, it will be detrimental to the river and human life.

And chief Lwiimbo of the Mambwe speaking people in Mabala district has urged Zambians to preserve natural resources.                     

Meanwhile rural electrification authority project manager for increased access to renewable energy project Suzyo Silavwe says REA will plant tress in the catchment area to replace the trees that have been cut down.