Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) President Charles Masange has appealed to members of the association to resist the temptation of being used as conduits of illegality in the process of applying for timber concession licenses.
Mr. Masange says he is aware that the application process is very bulky and requires a lot of resources without a guarantee of being successful; hence some members resort to being used by foreigners who have the financial muscle.
He has told Q-news that foreign nationals are supposed to be customers to the concession license holders and not the ones running the business from behind the scenes.
Mr. Masange says the extension announced by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment is meant to give ample time to the applicants and not to be abused by foreigners using local people.
He has since urged the association members to put resources together if they feel they cannot manage to meet the requirements on an individual basis.