By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Walking with or transporting firewood without a valid receipt is a criminal offence in Beitbridge, the Forestry Commission has reminded residents.
The update was made Friday during the Beitbridge Rural District Development Committee Meeting, held in the BBRDC Boardroom.
Presenting the report, Zibusiso Ndlovu from the Forestry Commission gave the procedure for operating as a firewood vendor in the district.
Vendors must follow a regulated process designed to curb illegal wood extraction and protect the environment, he said.
Ndlovu explained that the first step is obtaining an extraction permit from the Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC).
“One must disclose the ward from which they intend to harvest firewood, and extraction is only approved if that area is eligible,” he said.
The permit, which carries the RDC letterhead and the CEO’s stamp, must then be presented to the Forestry Commission in order to apply for a Movement Permit.
The Movement Permit should bear the vehicle’s number plate.
“It must have a Forestry Commission stamp, and the permit expires within 24 hours,” Ndlovu said.
He said firewood intended for export is valid for 72 hours, or up to five days, depending on the route and destination.
He said firewood vendors operating at Mashavire are fully licensed.
“They were cleared by the Commission and are legally importing firewood from Mwenezi,” he said.
Ndlovu urged residents to insist on receipts when purchasing firewood, as being found in possession of firewood without one constitutes an offence.
Zimbabwe continues to face severe deforestation, with an estimated 330,000 hectares of forest lost every year.
Ndlovu said the main contributing factors includr, uncontrolled veld fires and widespread illegal tree cutting.
The Forestry Commission is therefore strengthening enforcement whilst promoting sustainable practices.
To counter forest loss, Ndlovu said the Commission places strong emphasis on tree replanting.
It encourages communities to take part in conservation activities, school tree-planting programmes, and restoration campaigns, he said.
He also said the Commission works in partnership with the police, local authorities, and community organisations to enforce regulations and carry out joint operations.
“Protecting our forests requires cooperation from everyone,” he said.