11 Jul 2021

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism has warned the public against excessive use of fuel wood and felling of live trees, which is often done without necessary permits as required by the law.

A press release from the ministry says the indiscriminate felling of live trees is detrimental to the environment and a direct cause of land degradation.

The public is also reminded that permits can be obtained from the Department of Forestry and Range Resources in all districts across the country.

Application for permits should be done at district offices, where the fuel wood is to be harvested to enable the relevant office to assess and ascertain its availability before permits can be processed.

The release says applicants are required to provide a valid identity card, information of the location of the firewood and any additional details that may be required to enable issuance of permits.  

Again, it says permit holders are expected to adhere to its terms and conditions.

“Felling of live trees for the purposes of fuel wood is strictly prohibited.

Permit issuance is dependent on the availability of fuel wood and the department reserves the right to decline any applications when deemed necessary or in accordance with the regulations.”

The public is, therefore, advised to comply with the Agricultural Resources Conservation Regulations (Statutory Instrument No.8 of 2006) on the use of veldt products. ENDS