Agency now seizes 21 vehicles over unlawful charcoal deals
What you need to know:
The TFS, an executive body mandated with the management of national forest reserves (natural and established) and conservation of forests, has seized 21 vehicles, including four passenger buses during the past seven days as they transported charcoal without permits.
Dar es Salaam. If you are dealing in illegal charcoal transportation, then you should expect no mercy from Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) if you load it onto your vehicle without a permit.
The TFS, an executive body mandated with the management of national forest reserves (natural and established) and conservation of forests, has seized 21 vehicles, including four passenger buses during the past seven days as they transported charcoal without permits.
TFS Eastern Zone assistant manager for planning and forest resources utilisation Ibrahim Mwanga said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that at least three vehicles loaded with charcoal were impounded everyday for illegal transportation of charcoal.
The TFS Eastern Zone comprises Dar es Salaam, Coast and Morogoro regions.
The impounded vehicles were found carrying 790 bags of charcoal worth Sh39.5 million and each of them weighed 50kg.
“We seized them during a crackdown conducted by the TFS from Friday last week with a view to ensuring effective implementation of the Forest Act No 14 of 2002,” he said.
He noted that owners would be fined not less than Sh5 million each or be taken to court.
On average the TFS loses Sh30 million monthly through illegal transportation of charcoal.
“If the owners fail to pay the fine within 30 days, then the government will auction the consignment as required by law.
He further insisted that passenger vehicles shouldn’t be transporting forest products to ensure their safety. Section 89 of the Forest Act, No 14 of 2002, provides for offences related to trade in forest products and the penalty imposed on a person, who violates it.
