Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Owen Chomanika has bemoaned poaching in Soche Hill in Blantyre.
He said this on Wednesday when he visited the protected area to appreciate the damage caused by poachers who cut trees for timber and logs.
Said Chomanika: “I am not happy that about 55 percent of the hill is facing massive deforestation. We need to engage surrounding communities on the importance of conserving the forest reserve.
“It is worrisome that a hill which used to beautify the commercial city is bare. We need to reforest it.”
He challenged forestry officers to work in collaboration with communities to promote natural regeneration and protect stumps.
A Chilobwe Township resident Robert Zilogone thanked the minister for visiting the hill.
He said Chilobwe was hit hard by Cyclone Freddy in March 2023 because the hill lost its vegetative cover.
“I am ready to plant trees on the hill to ensure it regains its vegetative cover,” said Ziligone.
On his part, forestry zonal manager William Mitembe agreed with Chomanika that charcoal and timber production were causing deforestation in the hill.
He promised the minister that his office will do everything to restore the glory of Soche Hill.
“We plan to have some series of meetings with communities and traditional leaders to map the way forward,” said Mitembe.
During the visit, the minister saw felled trees being milled for timber, one of the causes of deforestation.
Soche Hill covers about 363 hectares.
