Ministry, union, in deadlock over court’s timber directive

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining and Timber Millers Cooperatives Union in Viphya Plantations have for the second time failed to resolve their differences through discussions as directed by the High Court in Mzuzu.

The ministry wants the union out of Viphya Plantations, widely known as Chikangawa in Mzimba, over accusations of mismanagement of 10 000 hectares (ha) allocated to it. The union was given a September 8 2015 deadline to leave the plantation.

However, the union, which claims to have been duped on the size of the land, sought court intervention.

The High Court in Mzuzu then summoned the two parties to engage in discussions and also issued an injunction restraining the ministry from evicting the cooperatives.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, chairperson of the union, Paul Nthambazale, said government is not giving in to calls for talks.

However, he said the onus was on government as the union is protected by an injunction to operate in the forest.

Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining spokesperson (environment and climate change) Sangwani Phiri said the ministry is waiting for directions from the Attorney General’s office.