$17,750 for illegal logging in Metarica

The authorities in the northern Mozambican province of Niassa have fined a Chinese timber operator, JC Trading, for illegal logging, reports Thursday’s issue of the Maputo daily “Noticias”.

JC Trading has a licence to operate in Maua district, but its workers were caught illegally removing logs from the neighbouring district of Metarica.

The illegal logging took place in the hunting reserve of Nacumua. This is regarded as an area of forestry and wildlife conservation, and until recently it was operated by a South African company. But, because of logistical constraints, the South African operator gave up this concession.

The JC Trading workers then invaded Nacumua and helped themselves to the precious hardwood known as monzo (leadwood). A spokesperson for the Metarica District Economic Activities Services told “Noticias” that JC Trading had illegally logged 40 cubic metres of monzo, loaded onto three trucks. The Chinese operator moved two of the three trucks to a destination unknown to the Metarica authorities, but the third truck was seized. JC Trading has been fined 1.1 million meticais (about 17,750 US dollars, at current exchange rates). The company has until 8 October to pay the fine: if it fails to pay, the truck and the timber will be confiscated.

Illegal loggers can operate in Metarica, the spokesperson said, because of a general lack of inspection, particularly by the local communities, who are angered at the delays in the government paying them the ten per cent they are owed from the payment of licences by legal forestry and wildlife operators.