MUTARE The cutting of trees is rife as traders take advantage of the persistent power cuts to make money from firewood trading. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Management is losing the war against the illegal tree fellers. Although the ministry nullified all firewood movement permits last year, trees have been felled in broad daylight, and in full A snap survey carried by The Zimbabwean showed that the most affected areas in this firewood madness were Fern Valley, Cecil Kopje, Vumba, Dora Dombo and Murahwa Hills. In the high-density suburb of Dangamvura, some firewood vendors, the majority of them from the nearest Dora Dombo village, were selling firewood to residents on a regular basis and making a lucrative living.
Timothy Masoka, a firewood vendor from Dora Dombo village, said although he was aware of the consequences, selling firewood was his source of livelihood and nothing would deter him from his trade. I earn a living through the selling of firewood. These days business is brisk. I have heaps of firewood ready for the market. Some people from Dangamvura are even coming to my homestead to buy the firewood, said Masoka.
A bundle of firewood fetches from 5 Rand to US$10 depending on the size of the bundle and the quality of firewood. The vendors have been embroiled in running battles with the municipal police. Zimbabwes serious power outages have led to serious deforestation that is likely to have a gross effect on the environment.
Post published in: News