• Timber Producers Association of Zambia says ZAFFICO is not empowered by any law to trade in mukula logs.
• Timber Association has already set up modalities to help concessional holders sell Mukula on the international market.
• ZAFFICO last week commenced the purchase and export of Mukula logs from concession licence holders.
Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) has urged timber producers not to sell Mukula logs to Zambia Forestry and Forest Corporation (ZAFFICO) as it is not supported by any law.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Association President, Charles Masange said ZAFFICO is not mandated by any provisions of the law to trade in hardwood like Mukula , as this is the mandate of the Forestry Department, under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
‘‘Our members have been urged not to comply with ZAFFICO’s directive as it is a parastatal, which should not involve itself in the trade of hardwood. Its (ZAFFICO) mandate is planting exotic trees and not hardwood, as this is the mandate of Forestry Department,’’ he said.
Mr. Masange encouraged Mukula concessional licence holders to engage his association as it has already come up with modalities, together with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, to auction mukula logs on the international market.
‘‘Moreover, we should have been consulted as we have already come up with good modalities with the Permanent secretary, Commerce, where we would auction timber on the international market.’’
‘‘All concessional holders that want to sell to ZAFFICO should contact the association as we will be able to put their timber on the international market where they can get not less than 100 US dollars per container .Even locally, we have people that can buy Mukula at 1000 or 3000 US dollars,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, ZAFFICO Public Relations Manager, Ireen Chipili reaffirmed that it has been given the mandate by government to purchase legally harvested Mukula logs from concession licence holders.
‘‘ZAFFICO is only trading in Mukula logs that were harvested before the trade in the said logs was banned by government,’’ she said.
‘‘However, the Forestry Department will continue to oversee the production of Mukula and ensure that the ban which is still in effect is followed.’’