The Forestry department in Petauke district has confiscated 113 pieces of Mukwa timber from illegal traders in Chief Nyamphande’s area.
The operation, which was conducted in Mkonda area, was carried out in partnership with ZAWA, Zambia Wildlife Authority and Zambia Police Officers.
Acting District Forestry Officer, Charles Mchotsa Banda confirmed the development to ZANIS, stating that the operation was carried out after a tip off from locals.
And Mr. Banda says that lack of transport at the department is hampering operations and is the major contributing factor to the deforestation in the district.
He says that without help from ZAWA, the operation would not have been successful.
Mr Banda says the situation is not good as people have continued cutting down trees illegally, thereby contributing to deforestation.