District Forestry Officer (DFO) for Likoma, Grant Kumwenda, has condemned those destroying the forest on the island, describing it as detrimental to conservation efforts and may affect availability of forestry resources in Likoma.
Kumwenda said the destruction of the forest with bushfires,has a negative impact since the district has limited forestry resources such as trees which provide poles and firewood as well as controlling soil erosion, among others.
He said his office is putting in place some mechanisms for managing forest resources by constructing and maintaining the already existing fire breaks as well as sensitising people on the importance of protecting natural resources.
Village Headwoman Chioko of Ngani said community leaders will be working hand in hand with the Forestry office to safeguard the forest.
“…like in my village, community members will be summoned and be warned about the issue, if people continue destroying the forest, then the issue will be referred to the Forestry office,” said Chioko.
Recently, a fire gutted part of Njakwa forest where a lot of trees were destroyed and the cause of the fire has not yet been established.
By Ireen Mseteka, MANA
