Illegal forest exploitation increases in Bimbia

Local authorities have decried the alarming rate carried out through organised network.

The local administrative and municipal authorities of Limbe III sub division (Bimbia) have expressed worries over the alarming rate of the unauthorised and unsustainable exploitation of the Bimbia forest by some unscrupulous individuals.

The illegal exploitation of the forest according to the Mayor of Limbe III, Barrister Nseke Dibotti Luma is carried out through organised networks, using the names of some prominent personalities in the municipality to cover their actions.

The Mayor, who was addressing Councillors of the Limbe III Council during the budgetary session to examine and adopt the 2015 budget, lamented that the Council does not benefit from forest royalties.

Mayor Nseke stated that the excuse for cutting down trees to construct houses will not be tolerated as there has not been significant infrastructural development in Bimbia in the recent years. While appealing to all those involved in the illegal business to desist, the Mayor pointed out that the Bimbia forest is under State protection and has been earmarked under the UNREDD Programme as a potential forest to receive funding. Thus, it is incumbent on the Council to sustainably manage the forest.

On his part, the Divisional Officer for Limbe III sub division, Sone Clement Ngoe warned all those involved in the activity to steer clear or face the arm of the law. He said the administration and the Forces of Law and Order are on the alert to combat the illegal exploiters. Mr. Sone admonished those who use his name to refrain from doing so because judicial actions would be taken against them. The DO said hierarchy has also been informed about the illegal forest exploitation in Bimbia.

Meantime, the councillors adopted the 2015 budget of the Limbe III Council that is balanced in income and expenditure to the tune of FCFA 350 million. The budget which the Mayor described as a “renaissance budget”, witnessed a 15 per cent drop from that of last year that stood at FCFA 400 million. T

his, the Mayor explained, does not mean lack of ambitions but rather that they want to be realistic in their budget. Prior to the Council session, the Divisional Officer unveiled a statue of a free slave at the “Chop Farm” junction to depict the abolished slave trade that had its headquarters in Bimbia.