Authorities in Ntchisi District have pledged to work together to end the widespread production of charcoal, which is causing significant degradation to Ntchisi Forest and parts of the Nkhotakota Game Reserve.
On Thursday, the district council, traditional leaders, and the police made the commitment during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at Senior Chief Nthondo’s headquarters.
The meeting follows concerns raised at a recent Station Executive Committee (SEC) meeting, where Senior Chief Nthondo expressed worry over the increasing rate of deforestation due to charcoal production in his area.
The chief lamented that his area is fast turning into a desert due to the continuous felling of trees for charcoal production. He also expressed his frustration with some unpatriotic villagers who shield culprits, allegedly from Lilongwe and Nkhotakota districts. Additionally, he criticised certain chiefs who were reportedly complicit in the illegal activity.
Officer-in-Charge for Ntchisi Police Station, Tiyese Chiumbuzo, acknowledged that deforestation is a major driver of climate change. He assured the meeting that the police are prepared to enforce the law and work with the community to deal with the situation.
Chiumbuzo further pledged to increase joint patrols with forest officers and community leaders in an effort to curb the practice.
Ntchisi District Forest Officer, Jim Lukwale, also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to tackling deforestation, expressing confidence that teamwork would lead to meaningful results.
Following the meeting, the authorities visited Ntchisi Forest to assess the situation firsthand. They found tonnes of charcoal, packed in bags and awaiting transport to unknown destinations.
By James Mwale, MANA
