Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) is appealing to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to consider extending the period for applying for timber concession licenses which elapsed last month by a further 30 days.
TPAZ president Charles Masange tells QTV news in an interview that most timber traders failed to meet the requirements for applying for timber concession licenses because the 60 days government had designated for the exercise was not enough.
Mr. Masange says IT will be difficult for those who are in the evaluation committee to find people who will be able to meet the stipulated conditions.
HE says some traders have spent huge sums of money to pay traditional leaders and other administrative issues, but did not meet all the conditions at the lapse of the 60 days.
Mr. Masange says his association therefore appeals to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to consider extending the period.