Eng. Collins Njovu on resumption of issuance of timber export permits

Eng Collins Nzovu with Florence Jedidiah Mulenga of STEM Foundation

By Rainbow Reporter

Issuance of timber export permits will resume next week says Green Economy and Environment Minister Engineer Collins Njovu.

Notifying members of the public and stakeholders in the timber industry Eng. Nzovu explained that resumption of issuance of Timber Export Permits (TEPS) follows remarkable progress made in the audit process instituted a few months ago on the operations of the forestry department, as well as the printing and delivery of timber export permit accountable documents (TEPADS) by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MoFNP).

Eng. Nzovu, equally serving as UPND Alliance Nangoma Member of Parliament (MP) in the Central Province believes that the use of timber export permit accountable documents will improve accountability and eliminate the risk of fraud in the management of timber exports.

“As advised earlier, the process leading to the issuance of new timber concession licences will commence before the end of April 2022 after the audit of forest stocks is completed.  Partners in the timber industry are further advised that the harvesting, processing and trading of mukula timber will remain suspended until all the required procedures and guidelines are finalised,” said Eng. Nzovu.