Councillor launches crusade against deforestaion

INDISCRIMINATE cutting down of trees and other human activities that degrade vegetation in Mkushi has prompted a ward councillor to embark on a sensitisation crusade to stop the vices and prevent deforestation in the area.

Mosofu ward councillor Attlee Chipabila said in an interview yesterday that his campaign was aimed at preventing the vegetation from being depleted due to the rampant cutting down of trees for charcoal burning in the area.

Mr Chipabila said the vice was rife and that certain species of trees were depleted in the area, adding that this was the reason he decided to embark on the campaign to sensitise the people on the negative impact of deforestation on human life.

“We are working together with the traditional leadership to sensitise people in the area on the negative impact of deforestation so that they can change their mind set, some are doing it out of ignorance while others for money, we also intend to engage the Forestry Department so that we can start reforestation in the area,” Mr Chipabila said.

He lamented that if the situation was left unchecked, it would have negative impact on human life as it would affect the climate and induce global warming which was affecting the rain pattern.

He said previously Musofu ward had rich vegetation but now the area was bare due to charcoal burning, a practice he said should be discouraged.

Mr Chipabila said charcoal burners had aggravated the situation by encroaching the North Swaka Forrest Reserve.