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Two supervisors of Opulent Wealthy Investments Limited and Zejun Investments Limited have been arrested for operating in North Swaka National Forest Reserve without applicable approvals from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Forest Department.
The two supervisors were arrested and a warn and caution was recorded from them and will appear in court soon, according to Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu.
Nzovu in a statement issued on Saturday in Lusaka said the Ministry is also investigating another company called Zejun Investments Limited that is also illegally operating without a permit.
He warned those that are indiscriminately mining without approval in forest reserves to stop forthwith failure to which, those found wanting will be prosecuted in line with the Forest Act No. 4 of 2015.
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“These efforts are aimed at protecting the forests, eco – systems, biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable forest management. Government desires that forests are managed and utilised in a sustainable manner,” Nzovu said.
He re-echoed that government wants to ensure economic growth in all sectors but it needs to be done in a sustainable manner and Ministry will continue conducting compliance monitoring activities to ensure environmental protection and sustainability.
Speaking during a meeting on Friday in Mkushi District with Central Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa, Mkushi District Commissioner Jonathan Kapungwe, Mkushi Council Chairperson Nelson Chilemu and other government officials, Nzovu urged the local authorities to work together to stop illegal mining in the district which was high.
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