Minister bemoans forest encroachment

Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources Nancy Tembo has bemoaned the encroachment of Dzonzi-Mvai Forest Reserve in Ntcheu.

Speaking on Friday when she visited the forest and Mpira Dam in the district, the minister said shortage of forest rangers was affecting the fight against forest encroachment.

“Government needs to work with people to conserve the environment,” said Tembo.

She said government will launch a landscape restoration project to restore the environment.

In his remarks, Ntcheu district forest officer DonnexMtambo said efforts to evict encroachers have failed.

“We once tried to evict the encroachers, but only few moved out. This time around we have taken another step to ensure that they relocate,” he said.

Dzonzi-Mvai Forest Reserve was established in 1924. It covers 3 000 hectares (ha), but 400 ha have been encroached.