GOVT COMMITTED TO RESTORING ECOSYSTEMS – MINISTER

AS Government we want to ensure that various ecosystems in the Central Province and other parts of the country are restored, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu has said.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Nzovu has assured the Zambian people that the government was going to clamp down on anybody that would be involved in illegal activities.

“The government will do everything possible to ensure that the various ecosystems in Central Province are restored, especially in Ngabwe District which has become rampant with illegal activities,” he said.

Mr. Nzovu also noted with sadness that the district which was endowed with rich natural resources was recording high charcoal burning which could trigger climate change.

He noted that the poor road network left the area underdeveloped but it had also maintained its richness in natural resources.

“It is a remote area and this is where a lot of trees are still standing, so the rate of deforestation in this area is very, very high as a result of the huge market in Kabwe and Lusaka.

We cannot destroy the very sensitive ecosystem in the area because the area is where the Lukanga Swamp is and most of the sources of water for generation in the itezhitezhi Reservoir, in the Kafue Upper Reservoir, in the Kafue Lower Reservoir,” he said

He said individuals who trade in charcoal should be able to get permits from the Forestry Department to ensure the cutting of trees was done sustainably.

“There are some areas where we can never issue permits but we will issue permits in certain areas where there are enough trees. We are encouraging those involved in charcoal burning that they need to come up with their own plantations because as they cut, they need to see that you are replanting,” he urged.