Ntcheu Forest Office to Evict Dzonzi-Mvai Forest Encrochers
Endangered: Malawi forests facing intense pressure
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The Ntcheu District Forest Office has resorted to using external forces to evict encroachers in Dzonzi-Mvai Forest Reserve which is grappling with encroachment by surrounding communities.
Ntcheu District Forest Officer,Donnex Mtambo told Zodiak Online that encroachment continues to hinder their efforts to protect over 10, 000 hectares at the forest due to an increase in deforestation.
"For around a decade now, encroachers have accelerated deforestation in the Forest Reserve through wanton felling of trees and farming," said Mtambo.
He added, "efforts to evict the encroachers have proven futile and inviting external support will help protect the remaining 10, 044 hectares forest reserve."
Besides the forest reserve, Mtambo observed that encroaching was also negatively affecting operations of Central Region Water Board (CRWB) which is now having increased difficulty supplying adequate water to Ntcheu residents.
CRWB has its main water intake at Chipusile along the reserve and, for years, has struggled to stop encroachers diverting water for irrigation purposes.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Mpando welcomes the new idea but observed that most of the encroachers are local chiefs, their subjects and some forest officials.
T/A Mpando also said Mozambican nationals encroach upon the protected forest reserve.
Published in: News In Central Region
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Last modified on Monday, 20/01/2020
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