Beatific
Gumbwanda
Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI
–
The Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC), Environmental Management Authority
(Ema) and Forestry Commission have sought help from the Joint Operations
Command (Joc) to help stem the charcoal trade which is blamed for the
decimation of Mopani forests in the district.
–
The Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC), Environmental Management Authority
(Ema) and Forestry Commission have sought help from the Joint Operations
Command (Joc) to help stem the charcoal trade which is blamed for the
decimation of Mopani forests in the district.
Joc is made up of the country’s
security cluster comprising the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Zimbabwe Republic
Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and Central Intelligence
organisation (CIO).
security cluster comprising the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Zimbabwe Republic
Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and Central Intelligence
organisation (CIO).
Chiredzi RDC chairperson Edward
Matsilele claimed the charcoal business had since ceased to be a mere threat
against the environment and had become a more worrying national security
threat.
Matsilele claimed the charcoal business had since ceased to be a mere threat
against the environment and had become a more worrying national security
threat.
“The district Joc, Ema and
Forestry Commission undertook a blitz operation to fight the scourge of
firewood and charcoal sales. The blitz was carried out with very little resources
at our disposal but it was a huge success,” said Matsilele.
Forestry Commission undertook a blitz operation to fight the scourge of
firewood and charcoal sales. The blitz was carried out with very little resources
at our disposal but it was a huge success,” said Matsilele.
He said he hoped the operation will be
replicated across the rest of the district.
replicated across the rest of the district.
“Not all areas were covered but we
will soon be back once all logistics have been put in place. We appeal for
assistance from our councillors and other stakeholders to make sure we conserve
our environment. Climate change is real, and our actions exacerbate this
climate change. Disasters like floods, drought and extreme weather conditions
are a manifestation of climate change.
will soon be back once all logistics have been put in place. We appeal for
assistance from our councillors and other stakeholders to make sure we conserve
our environment. Climate change is real, and our actions exacerbate this
climate change. Disasters like floods, drought and extreme weather conditions
are a manifestation of climate change.
.
“The charcoal trade is also a
security threat, since in some places the proceeds are used to fund
international terrorism. So let us be careful, we may be funding terrorism
through charcoal. Some people are abusing the livelihoods argument. There are
better options of earning a living,” Matsilele.
security threat, since in some places the proceeds are used to fund
international terrorism. So let us be careful, we may be funding terrorism
through charcoal. Some people are abusing the livelihoods argument. There are
better options of earning a living,” Matsilele.
In Chiredzi North, newly-resettled
farmers are earning a living by cutting down trees on a large scale to make
charcoal which is sold on road sides or to big buyers from Harare.
farmers are earning a living by cutting down trees on a large scale to make
charcoal which is sold on road sides or to big buyers from Harare.
