Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) President, Charles Masange, has re-echoed calls for government to lift the ban on Mukula trading to reduce poverty levels among citizens in the northern part of the country, whom he said depended on the trade as a means of income generation and job security.
Government in 2021 re-enforced the ban on harvesting and trading in Mukula timber, citing auditing reasons meant to carry out a thorough assessment of Mukula stocks in the country to determine quantities.
However speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr Masange said government should not be claiming do audit Mukula three years down the line.
He said President, Hakainde Hichilema, must explain the exact reasons behind the ban on Mukala trading since the audit excuse is no longer justified.
“Mukula may have ended poverty levels, but now it risks being cut down and burnt by farmers clearing their land for agriculture because they can’t distinguish it,” said Mr. Masange.
By Eva Hatontola
