Melo Media, Friday, 17th November, 2023
In a countrywide operation, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, along with the Zambia National Service (ZNS), has seized a total of 13,798 illegal Mukula logs. These logs were part of a larger projected number of 31,456 logs that were illegally obtained across the country.
The Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu, announced during a media briefing in Lusaka that this exercise was conducted to identify and collect all illegally harvested Mukula logs scattered throughout the country.
The operation, initially scheduled to take place from 1st to 20th November, 2023, has been extended to 30th November, 2023 due to various challenges. Heavy rainfall and poor road conditions in certain areas of the country have resulted in a deficit collection of 17,642 Mukula logs.
During a countrywide operation, authorities have seized a total of 13,700 illegal Mukula logs. In addition to this, ZNS officers have also discovered 5,648 illegal Mukula logs and 78,418 semi-processed Mukula timber, revealing further illegal activities.
ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi has called on all concerned citizens to report any findings of Mukula logs to assist in the clean-up effort. Additionally, there have been reports of more Mukula logs in Mporokoso District, where officers are currently present.
