FORESTS MONITORING DIVISION

The Ministry of Forests has created a Monitoring Division to monitor logging activities in the country.

Forest Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza revealed this in Parliament today during questions and answers and in particular on Government's policy on forestry.

He said under present forestry regulations, people are not benefiting much from their resources.

"This is the first time the Division has been formed since the start of the forest industry because of the reasons raised by the leader of Opposition. What the leader of Opposition says is true. It's the resource owners that pay export duties, licences and other costs."

Forest Minister Sir Allan said those costs including expenses relating to meetings with resource owners will be deducted from their royalties.

He says as part of government actions being taken the Ministry has deployed 60 Forestry Extension officers to assist in monitoring forest activities in the country.