Chimanimani pounces on timber poachers

CHIMANIMANI Rural District Council (RDC) is constructing a timber levy collection boom gate along the Chimanimani-Mutare Highway to curb timber poaching.

The council plans to set up the boom gate at Biriiri growth along the highway.

The project is, however, still shrouded in secrecy with both council and government officials reluctant to comment on the issue.

The local authority’s chief executive officer, Nehemiah Deure, initially asked for questions in writing before backtracking.

“Please talk to the district information officer. He is the one who can comment on government programmes,” said Deure.

The district information officer, Amos Chiroodza, refused to comment.

“The boss (Deure) is the one who is allowed to speak on behalf of the local authority on the project. I do not know why he is referring that to me,” said Chiroodza

The local authority’s chairperson, one Mujee had also promised to respond but his mobile phone was no longer reachable when NewsDay made spirited attempts to contact him.

The Local Government and Public Works ministry, which is in charge of all local authorities, was also coy when contacted to comment.

“As a ministry, we do not control local authorities to those levels. There are issues we get involved in and there are some we do not,” said Gabrial Masvora, the communications director in the ministry.

According to the Road Act, it is illegal to block a public road in any way and this includes barriers and shacks.

Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona’s mobile phone was not reachable.

Meanwhile, the exotic timber rich area has been losing thousands of dollars through illegal logging and smuggling of the timber to various cities and towns.

Scores of timber poachers have invaded timber plantations in the district, threatening the viability of Zimbabwe’s leading timber producing companies such as Border Timbers and Allied Timbers.

The poachers, who have set up mobile timber mills in the plantations are allegedly being supported by some ruling Zanu PF politicians in exchange for votes. Traditional leaders and council officials have also been implicated in the scam.

One ruling party top politician in the district is allegedly involved in the lucrative illegal timber poaching business.