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NB chief wants MDF out of Viphya forest

 

Senior Chief Kabunduli of Nkhata Bay has asked government to withdraw soldiers from Viphya Plantation, saying their patrols are a mockery to national security.

Government deployed soldiers into the forest two years ago to flush out illegal loggers, and encroachers.

But Kabunduli yesterday said Malawi Defence Force (MDF) is supposed to protect the country from external foes instead of “fight unarmed citizens” in the hugely depleted forest.

Msaka and Kabunduli (in pink necktie) inspect the forest

He said: “Soldiers are there to fight wars against other countries. If other countries attack us, who will we use to defend the country? Are we going to send security guards with crabs to fight our enemies?

“There is need to empower the guards so that they get rid of encroachers. Those entrusted with protecting the trees should do their work,” he said.

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Bright Msaka said the army will only leave when “we start to work together in protecting the forest”.

“The army is not just there to fight wars against other countries. During disasters, they help us save lives, construct bridges and do all activities civilians fail to do.  We failed to protect the forest and it was only right to bring in the army,” said Msaka. n

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One Comment

  1. I would like to agree with Honourable Msaka that we really failed to protect our most valuable and largest man made forest, the Viphya Plantation. It was our pride but through our unpatriotic practices we have destroyed it. It is obvious that the MDF is doing a commendable job but those with skewed motives bent on individual egos and profiting can not see and accept this reality.
    It would be prudent on the part of the Government to close the plantation to timber sawyers for a reasonable time, possibly ten to fifteen years for the forest to recover. All the squatter camps within the plantation should be removed and no fire making should be allowed within the forest during that period.
    Government should initiate a comprehensive and intense programme for reforestation similar to the one funded by the Japanese government in early 1970s in the plantation. NGOs and the timber harvesters should also participate in the execution of the programme. Only then will the Viphya Plantation and Malawians regain their lost treasure and glory.

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