GOVERNMENT has warned illegal timber transporters in Lufwanyama District and surrounding areas on the Copperbelt Province against transporting the commodity through dubious routes.

District Forestry Officer Susan Jere, has warned that timber traders should stop taking advantage of her office’s lack of transport meant to aid her in combating illegal cutting down of trees.

Ms Jere said her office is charged with the responsibility to combat illegal cutting down of trees but that transport has been a challenge to undertake such inspections.

ZANIS reports that Ms Jere was speaking when she compounded an illegal track full of timber in the Lufwanyama area. 

Ms Jere stated that the government will not allow this behavior adding that culprits will be brought to book.

She has since bemoaned the cutting down of trees saying it has also affected the environment.

“As you can see the owners ran away upon seeing us indicating that it’s through dubious means, what they are doing is affecting everyone in the district,” she said.