• Reduction in the allocation of timber trees to sole millers to affect the construction industry.
• Cost of timber will become expensive.
• Government to review SI number 31 of 2017 and SI number 83 of 2020 which regulates the importation of timber.

Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) says the decision by the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) to reduce the allocation of timber trees to sole millers will negatively affect the construction industry in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Association President Charles Masange said this is because the cost of timber will become expensive, a situation that will result in the importation of roofing and hard wood timber into the country.
“The reduction in the allocation of timber tress to sole millers will result in the cost of timber becoming expensive in the country a development that will impact negatively on the construction industry,” Mr Masange said.
He noted that the reduction in timber trees allocated to sole millers started two years ago and it has not been received well by timber producers.
Mr Masange has since called on government to review the Statutory Instrument number 31 of 2017 and Statutory Instrument Number 83 of 2020 which regulates the importation of timber for Zambians to benefit from the instruments.
“Government should review the Statutory Instrument number 31 of 2017 and Statutory Instrument Number 83 of 2020 which regulates the importation of timber so that Zambians can benefit from the instruments,” he said.
Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) has reduced the allocation of timber trees to sole millers from 70 to 40 Cubic Meters.