Wood poachers wreak havoc in Chiredzi

REGIS CHINGAWO     IN MASVINGO

Mopane wood poachers  are invading Chief Neromwe area in Chiredzi district, Masvingo Province, amid calls for law enforcement agencies to take stern measures to protect the environment, environmental activists have said.

“We have noted with concern that there are some wood poachers who come from as far as Harare who are descending in Chief Neromwe’s area, cutting down the Mopane tree for use as charcoal,” said  Enviropress secretary Upenyu Chaota.

“These wood poachers then sell the charcoal which is in high demand.”

EnviroPress  is a Masvingo-based company that lobbies for the protection of the environment.

Chaota said stakeholders such as Forestry Commission, law enforcement agencies and EMA should take stern measures following the near extinction of the Mopane tree in Chiredzi district.

He said EnviroPress will be taking its part in educating citizens on the need to preserve the environment.

Recently, Chief Neromwe  also expressed concern over the rampant cutting down of the Mopane tree in his area.

“The problem is that my area has no clearly defined boundaries as it is a resettlement area. Wood poachers that descend into the area are coming in huge numbers, cutting the Mopani tree which provides a delicacy for Mopane worms,” Chief Neromwe said.

He added: “It’s high time  this problem is dealt with once and for all before we see the total extinction of the tree. I will engage the police, Environmental Management Agency, Forestry Commission and also other traditional leaders to curb this problem.”

Meanwhile,  EnviroPress director, Moses Ziyambi is also calling for action to be taken to stop pollution in Mucheke River, which is a water source for Lake Mutirikwi, which provides water for the City of Masvingo.

“We are urging the local authority to expedite the long awaited Mucheke Trunk Sewer project as raw sewage is flowing into the river due to sewer bursts,” Ziyambi said.

He added: “Right now water into the river downstream has turned black and now has a putrid smell. Its high time measures are taken to penalise some industrialists who let foreign objects flow into the river.”

Masvingo residents have for a long time called for action to be taken to address the issue of pollution into the river. According to Masvingo City Council, the pollution can only be stopped upon the completion of Mucheke Trunk Sewer project.

The project has been stalled as the local authority is awaiting the release of funds for devolution programme.