Source: Post Courier

A government report on logging operations in the Yema Local Forest Area (LFA) in Ioma sub-district, Northern Province, has highlighted shortcomings in the implementation of forestry, environment, water resources and logging practices.

Although preliminary, the report said there were indisputable and undeniable evidence of inconsistency and negligence in the management of the Yema forest project.

Northern Governor Gary Juffa said the findings were “very alarming and requires immediate actions to be taken” of the Government, including the immediate termination of the logging operations.

The report found breaches of:

The Forest Act Chapter 216 and 217 with specific reference to Local Forest Area concession;

• The Environment Planning Acts Chapter 205;

• The Water Resource Act Chapter 205; and

• The Logging Code of Practice

The report said irregularities highlighted in the letter of complaint by landowner did exist and were caused to occur out of pure negligence, due influence and lack of knowledge or the capacity to manage prudently.

Deprivation of rights to landowner benefits, again due to negligence by the management of Yema Gaiapa Pty Ltd was also highlighted.

“Sustainable and prudent management aided by appropriate knowledge is the key to success in this LFA logging project. Progress without due influence is much desired in an already rotting society being eaten into by corruption,” the report said.

The National Forest Office said a final and independent report was currently being prepared.

Governor Juffa said:

“I take specific note of the environmental destruction caused by the logging operations and the very negative impact of the logging operations on the livelihood of the local population.”

“We must not turn a blind eye on the sufferings of our people inflicted by foreign logging companies who have demonstrated very clearly that they have no respect and concern for the welfare and livelihood of our people.”

He also noted the findings on the loge waste assessment, damages caused by machines during operations, discriminate use of machinery during logging and clear felling of trees, logging within very close proximity to villages, gardens, burial grounds, sacred sites and destruction of food gardens, sago trees, stream and rivers.

He also noted the findings relating to lack of hygiene and sanitation and pollutions caused by the logging company and its workers and lack of workers safety and protection.