Government Warns Forest Officers Against Aiding Illegal Charcoal Production

By Comfort Nthala 

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, has issued a warning to district forest officers, stating they will face immediate dismissal if found enabling illegal timber and charcoal production. 

The Minister emphasized that there would be no leniency for officers abetting such practices.

Speaking at the launch of the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP) in Chipata, Mr. Mposha revealed that traditional leaders had raised concerns over forest officers failing to check unlicensed charcoal production. 

He stressed that while the government is not banning charcoal production entirely, it is committed to eradicating illegal practices in the industry.