Assembly Passes Bill To Regulate Forest Products

Under the leadership of Speaker James Bage, the proposals were amended to benefit the citizens after a long debate by the with the last resolutions indicating sales procedures, tax collection procedures, bill of quantity for sale of logs and timbers for export, rates of taxes, licenses and penalties.

 

The resolutions are aimed at putting in place fair and conducive ground for both the timber dealers and out growers in the state.

 

Bage appreciated the members of the assembly for their concerns towards the development of the state adding that time has come for the executives to implement the resolutions right after its signature by the state governor.

 

The representatives of the timber dealers said they have been waiting for the resolutions to help them be organized and work according to the resolution of the state.

 

 They maintained respect to the tax imposed by the House since it represents the voice of the people.

 

This Bill now awaits the signature of the governor to be implemented by the line ministries and commissions in respect to the development of the state.

 

In August, the Western Equatoria State government banned the cutting down of Teak and natural forests in the state.

 

Both Central and Western Equatoria states have blamed the National Ministry of agriculture and Forestry for getting into business of cutting teak and Natural forests with companies and individuals without consulting the state authorities.

 

Most of the authorization letters are done from above, “who is above me in Western Equatoria State,” Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro once told county officials in Maridi in August.

In August, the Western Equatoria State had announced plans to lift the ban on teak timber harvesting as according to the governor, the communities and teak producers had complained about the order which declared the harvesting of the trees as illegal.

 

The state government decided to ban the teak business after realising that dealers who were buying Teak from the local people did not offer better prices but rather exploited the producers.

 

The trucks used by the illegal traders to transport the timber from the reserve in Western Equatoria Statewere detained by the police in August.