Timber producers allege foot-dragging on Mukula trade, demand clear roadmap from presidency

The Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) is demanding for a clear road map on Mukula trade, an activity which was banned by government close to two years ago.

Association President, Charles Masange, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday wondered why it has taken the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, close to two years to give a road map on Mukula trade.

Masange has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to tell his cabinet’s position with regards to the lifting of the ban on Mukula trade and give a road map.

“According to Minister Nzovu, for two years he has been waiting for Cabinet’s decision on Mukula trade in Zambia, hence the need for President Hichilema to state the clear position of his government over this matter,” he said.

Masange said the Association has observed that it seems the people within the system who misled the former president Edgar Lungu on Mukula have again resolved to also convince the current executive.

He has maintained his call to allow Mukula trade to be conducted in transparent manner, through Provincial Auction floor system by the private sector, without any political interference.

“We would not like a situation where the selfish individuals within the system may again manage to mislead the Zambian Government executive,” Masange said.

He noted that people who have been issued with New forest concession licenses are failing to raise capital for operations in their concession license areas because their money is held up by government through the ban.

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