Minister of Natural Resources, Owen Chomanika, has tasked the Nsanje District Council to come up with economic empowerment programmes to eliminate dependence on Matandwe Forest Reserve in the district.
Chomanika made the remarks on Thursday at Mwanda Village, Traditional Authority Malemia in Nsanje.
He observed there is continued wanton cutting down of trees in Matandwe Forest because communities are still relying on the forest for their livelihoods, risking flash floods in the district.
Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Yusufu Mkungula, said there is a need to protect Thabalaba root tubers found in the forest, which allegedly cure 38 diseases.
“The ministry is committed to reducing challenges the Forestry office is facing to protect the forest reserves. Currently, we are recruiting forest guards,” Mkungula added.
Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Hussein Ngwali, expressed worry about the continued depletion of trees in the forest.
Matandwe forest is one of the protected forests in Nsanje District.
By Tiyanjane Tsankhwimbi, MANA
