Malawi appeals for help to save Dzalanyama Forest
Malawi Government has made an emergency appeal to all stakeholders and interested organisations to help it stop the alarming deforestation and degradation taking place in Dzalanyama Forest in Lilongwe.
Making the appeal to delegates who attended a Dzalanyama Stakeholders workshop in Lilongwe on Friday, Malawi Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Atupele Muluzi said the forest is important because it is a source for Lilongwe River, which supplies water to the capital city through Kamuzu dams 1 and 2.
Said Muluzi: “It is everybody’s responsibility to make sure that Dzalanyama Forest is saved. Apart from being a source of water for Lilongwe City, another potential site where a dam will be constructed has been found along Diamphwe River whose source is also located in the forest.”
Principal secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Yanira Ntupanyama said government and Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) recently developed a joint project proposal, which was submitted to the Japanese Government for further input and financial consideration.
“The Japanese also faced similar problems we are facing now and we know they can help us find a lasting solution to the problem about Dzalanyama,” said Ntupanyama.
She also disclosed that government will enhance patrols in the forest using guards and game rangers “and, if need be, involve the Malawi Defence Force [MDF]”.
