Chunya, Songwe urged to improve two-border forest management

There were misunderstandings between district commissioners Rehema Madusa (Chunya) and Samwel Opulukwa (Songwe) about how the adjacent forests of the two districts could be managed for lack of clear demarcations of forest reserve forests Territorial of Patamela.

Chunya DC claims that his colleague from Songwe District illegally arrested people carrying out various human activities in the forests. According to him, these patrols should be conducted by officials and security organs of Chunya District.

The minister said that the Songwe and Chunya District Safety and Security Committees are responsible for overseeing the forest.

"We have similar laws governing forest monitoring in the country, and you both have the right to monitor and protect natural resources," said Dr. Kigwangala.

For his part, Amos Makalla promised to find a solution to the problems by emphasizing the strengthening of forest management activities. He said resolving the conflict would promote neighborhood and cooperation between the two leaders.

"We will find a permanent solution to this problem since it has been in existence for a number of years and I will summon it to my office," he said.

On Monday, the Minister ordered Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) to deploy a special force to monitor forests in the southern uplands to strengthen conservation efforts. Dr. Kigwangala said the decision to deploy a special force is aimed at protecting the country's natural resources, including minerals that have been illegally exploited.

The minister insisted that punitive measures will be taken. He called on those who were interested in mining in the forest to follow the appropriate procedures and to consult forest officials to guide them.