Chief Shezongo of the Ila people of Itezhi Tezhi District has lamented the increasing levels of illegal timber business in his chiefdom.
The traditional leader has claimed that his chiefdom is being invaded by outsiders who are cutting down timber uncontrollably.
He has requested that forest guards be immediately deployed to safeguard the area, which is under threat from alleged Namwala residents engaging in the illegal practices.
Meanwhile, Itezhi Tezhi Member of Parliament Twaambo Mutinta has said that his office will work with the district security task force to embark on a massive operation to curb illegal timber cutting in the area.
Mutinta has warned illegal timber traders to cease their activities before the law catches up with them.
He lamented that at a time when the government was working hard to fight climate change, it was counterproductive for activities detrimental to forest management to still occur.
He also called on the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to equip district officials with transport to enable them to patrol the forests and restore order.
