Huge load of export logs seized in Dar

[Mtoto wa Mkulima]

Natural Resources and Tourism ministry officials swung into action at the Dar es Salaam port yesterday, seizing a consignment of 33 ready-for-export containers loaded with log sleepers.

In a near identical move at the port on Tuesday, they impounded 12 containers full of similar cargo.

Both consignments were due to be exported to China by a Dar es Salaam-based import and export company identified only as MICCO.

Natural Resources and Tourism minister Juma Maghembe told reporters at the port yesterday that, acting on a tip-off, the officials moved into action shortly before the exportation actually materialised.

The minister, who was paying an impromptu visit at the country`s chief port, said unscrupulous customs and natural resources officers had cleared the sleepers for export.

Commenting on the species of the logs seized, he explained that there were 928 pieces of Pangapanga, 1,160 of Mkuruti, 380 of Paurosa and 570 of Afromisin.

All the officers concerned will face the long arm of the law for allowing the shipment of the logs, he stated.

Prof Maghembe added that the exporter behind the deal, meaning MICCO, would be taken to court for taking part in the plunder of the country?s forests.

The Government will confiscate all the seized containers complete with their contents and all those involved in the scandal will face legal action, he added.

He also explained that the value of entire consignment cleared for shipment was grossly under declared at $103,073.14.

He warned that the Government would continue to seek out and otherwise deal with all those behind the illegal harvesting and exportation of its forest products and other natural resources.

The government on 27 January this year banned the exportation of logs and sandalwood and suspended tree harvesting in protected natural forests, saying it was doing so to keep illegal logging in check.

A similar ban in use from October 2004 to August 2005 sought to safeguard endangered species but it endorsed the local processing of logs and higher value-added exports of wood products.

However, the 27 January ban was taken following the haphazard harvesting of timber and the transportation of logs without proper permission or using forged permits.

SOURCE: Guardian

 

[Mtoto wa Mkulima]

Wana JF nauliza hili kwa maana naona issue muhimu kama za mazigira na uharibifu wa mazingira, uporaji rasilimali kama hizi hamna anayejishughulisha nalo watu tumekalia kulia na madini tuu utafikiri magogo sio malia yaasili na madhara yake ni makubwa sana. Kwani hamjui hatuwezi kuwa namaendeleo endelevu kama hatutaweza kutunza mazingira?

JF naombeni na hili nalo tulifuatilie ili walio husika nao washughulikiwe na uhakika kuna maofisa wa Wizara ya mali asili wamehusika. Global warming sasa ni global issue .

TAKURU badala ya kukimbia na kazi ya kudai madeni tungeoma iwashughulikie na hawa watu walio husika.

 

[Steve Dii]

Wana JF nauliza hili kwa maana naona issue muhimu kama za mazigira na uharibifu wa mazingira, uporaji rasilimali kama hizi hamna anayejishughulisha nalo watu tumekalia kulia na madini tuu utafikiri magogo sio malia yaasili na madhara yake ni makubwa sana. Kwani hamjui hatuwezi kuwa namaendeleo endelevu kama hatutaweza kutunza mazingira?

JF naombeni na hili nalo tulifuatilie ili walio husika nao washughulikiwe na uhakika kuna maofisa wa Wizara ya mali asili wamehusika. Global warming sasa ni global issue .

TAKURU badala ya kukimbia na kazi ya kudai madeni tungeoma iwashughulikie na hawa watu walio husika.

Naomba kunukuhu jibu kutoka HAPA.

Mtoto wa mkulima unayozungumza yana ukweli. Lakini pamoja na hayo, topiki kama hizi zimezungumzwa sana hapa JF. Kwa hivyo, unapobaini kuwa watu hawachangii haina maana kuwa wamepuuza topiki uliyoanzisha. Wasomaji wengi tunasubiri kusoma mawazo mapya.

SteveD.