The Community Forest Management Group in Lumpuma Chiefdom of Lufwayama District has appealed to government and relevant authorities to enhance regulations against cutting down of trees in the area which has led to the negative effects of climate change.

Friday Kalaswa, the group Chairperson says due to poverty levels amongst the people coupled with the 2023-2024 drought, most of the households look to charcoal production as a source of income hence the need to empower the locals.

Mr Kalaswa says there is a need to protect the environment through methods that should not harm the environment, saying farmers must be able to adapt to these methods.

Bernard Kalepa who is the Chief Retainer in the same chiefdom notes that the pattern of rainfall has greatly affected the people saying harvest time is not clearly known due to change in weather patterns.

Mr Kalepa said most water streams are dry and cannot provide fish for the locals anymore.

And Kamabaya section Induna, Innocent Machisa has also raised concerns on the illegal timber harvesters saying there is more to be done to curb such vices in the area.

Mr Machisa noted that most subjects have ventured into the charcoal business even though it is not sustainable for the sake of uplifting their livelihood.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Provincial Senior Planner, Brian Masiye assured the residents that the government with its cooperating partners are working around the clock to ensure that people are looked out for.

Mr Masiye said the government is using an open door policy by interacting with the community.