Plans to curb illegal deforestation
Ledet will conduct regular patrols and inspect wood dealers stalls to ensure that business is conducted according to the law.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries together with Limpopo Economic Department of Environment and Tourism (Ledet) and DA Councillor Yolandé Coetzee, visited the sites around Mokopane where illegal deforestation takes place.
Coetzee said nobody wants to apply the laws or accept the responsibility to address the culprits that are guilty of illegal deforestation. “I had no choice but to involve the department and invite them to visit the area so that they can see how bad the deforestation in and around our town is. I could no longer ignore this after I received many complaints from the public about the increase of illegal deforestation in Mokopane. This will have an enormous impact on our environment and rainfall over the next couple of years.”
According to Coetzee, a plan was discussed during the meeting which was held after the visit.
“The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will hold awareness campaigns in all neighbourhoods. It will be the councillors of Mogalakwena Municipality’s responsibility to arrange and communicate the dates and venues to the public. The department will also train a peace officer to assist Ledet with surveillance and issuing of fines to those who are found guilty.
All wood sellers will be trained to identify endangered species of trees and woodcutters must have licenses to cut wood. Ledet will conduct regular patrols and inspect wood dealers stalls to ensure that business is conducted according to the law.”
Coetzee said she will go through Mogalakwena Municipality’s bylaws and make sure everything is in place and if not, a motion will be submitted to amend the laws ensuring that they are in line with Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries laws.
The Environmental Officer of Ledet in Mokopane, Freddie Maganeng said the public are welcome to report any illegal deforestation. “The public is our eyes and ears, we cannot be everywhere and would appreciate the public’s involvement in this serious matter.” The public can contact Ledet at (015) 491 8010 or Maganeng on 082 783 7396.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
