GOVT CONDUCTING STUDY TO ASCERTAIN EFFECTS OF FOREST 27 ON CHALIMBANA AND CHONGWE RIVERS BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION
By Lukundo Nankamba
Lands and natural resources minister Elijah Muchima has disclosed that government is currently carrying out a study to ascertain the effects of forest 27 on Chalimbana and Chongwe Rivers.
In an interview, Mr. Muchima says government will only act upon the findings of a study which is currently being conducted in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature –WWF- and other stakeholders.
Mr. Muchima says government is fully aware of public expectations to have structures that have been built in forest 27 to be demolished but states that this issue must be handled cautiously and ensure that the law is followed.
He has since called for patience from members of the public regarding forest 27 saying government does not want to make the same mistakes the previous regime made by not following the law which has affected the country’s forest reserve areas.
The UPND government has received criticism from members of the public who are challenging them to fulfill their campaign promise to reverse the degazetting of forest number 27.
PHOENIX NEWS