Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu has announced that the issuance of timber export permits will resume next week.
In a statement obtained by Q-News, Mr Nzovu says the resumption of issuance of timber export permits follows the remarkable progress made in the audit process instituted a few months ago on the operations of the forestry department as well as the printing and delivery of timber export permit accountable documents by the ministry of finance and national planning.
He says the use of timber export permit accountable documents will improve accountability and eliminate the risk of fraud in the management of timer exports.
Mr Nzovu has reiterated that that the process leading to the issuance of new timber concession licences will commence before the end of April after the audit of forest stocks is completed.
The Minister has further advised partners in the timber industry that the harvesting, process and trading of Mukula timber will remains suspended until all the required procedures and guidelines are finalized.