PDM MP slams tree cutting in Helao Nafidi
Tree reportedly removed in response to illegal fuel smuggling
PDM's Hidipo Hamata says the loss of the tree is mourned by the community, who often gathered in its shade to market their goods.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Hidipo Hamata has raised concerns over a tree that was cut down in Ohangwena’s Helao Nafidi, reportedly to curb fuel smuggling activities.
Hamata said the decision to cut down the tree is a loss to the community, as the tree was often the centre point for community gatherings and used as an open market by the town's residents.
He noted that traders would sell traditional food, while others sold second-hand clothing under or near the tree.
"It was a tree mostly used for market days. And on pension days the tree would get more crowded. So the alleged fuel smugglers would run to hide there. But I can testify that they were not selling fuel near that tree," he said.
A big loss
Hamata added that while stopping fuel smuggling is important, officials from the environment ministry as well as the police should find solutions that do not lead to deforestation in the region, which is striving to promote a green environment and contribute to the fight against climate change.
“How many more trees will be cut down in Namibia due to smuggling, and what is the ministry’s stance on balancing environmental protection with law enforcement?” he asked.
Hamata also questioned whether an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) had been issued before the tree was torn down.
Hamata said the incident has raised the question of whether cutting down trees is a constitutionally and environmentally sound preventative measure when alternative law enforcement strategies could address illegal activities without harming natural resources.
Laws clarified
In response to his concern in parliament recently, Heather Sibungo, deputy minister of the environment, confirmed that the ministry had not issued an ECC as it is not required in these instances.
Sibungo said a permit is required to cut down trees in accordance with the Forest Act.
She also clarified that removing trees in large quantities or for commercial purposes is a listed activity that requires an ECC.
Sibungo emphasised that the ministry discourages tree removals without cause, as trees play a vital role in the environment and should be protected at all costs.
“Our ministry was not approached to have any trees removed at Oshikango. While we support law enforcement, we urge all stakeholders to ensure environmental protection is promoted, “she said.
“The ministry is still investigating what really happened, but at this stage, we are not in a position to say who cut down the tree and whether or not it was a law enforcement strategy."
Sibungo said the ministry also aims to increase awareness at all levels to ensure the environment is protected.
“We implore all stakeholders to always check with our ministry before they take actions that could result in environmental damage. Taking care of the environment is each and every person’s responsibility,” she said.
Hamata said the decision to cut down the tree is a loss to the community, as the tree was often the centre point for community gatherings and used as an open market by the town's residents.
He noted that traders would sell traditional food, while others sold second-hand clothing under or near the tree.
"It was a tree mostly used for market days. And on pension days the tree would get more crowded. So the alleged fuel smugglers would run to hide there. But I can testify that they were not selling fuel near that tree," he said.
A big loss
Hamata added that while stopping fuel smuggling is important, officials from the environment ministry as well as the police should find solutions that do not lead to deforestation in the region, which is striving to promote a green environment and contribute to the fight against climate change.
“How many more trees will be cut down in Namibia due to smuggling, and what is the ministry’s stance on balancing environmental protection with law enforcement?” he asked.
Hamata also questioned whether an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) had been issued before the tree was torn down.
Hamata said the incident has raised the question of whether cutting down trees is a constitutionally and environmentally sound preventative measure when alternative law enforcement strategies could address illegal activities without harming natural resources.
Laws clarified
In response to his concern in parliament recently, Heather Sibungo, deputy minister of the environment, confirmed that the ministry had not issued an ECC as it is not required in these instances.
Sibungo said a permit is required to cut down trees in accordance with the Forest Act.
She also clarified that removing trees in large quantities or for commercial purposes is a listed activity that requires an ECC.
Sibungo emphasised that the ministry discourages tree removals without cause, as trees play a vital role in the environment and should be protected at all costs.
“Our ministry was not approached to have any trees removed at Oshikango. While we support law enforcement, we urge all stakeholders to ensure environmental protection is promoted, “she said.
“The ministry is still investigating what really happened, but at this stage, we are not in a position to say who cut down the tree and whether or not it was a law enforcement strategy."
Sibungo said the ministry also aims to increase awareness at all levels to ensure the environment is protected.
“We implore all stakeholders to always check with our ministry before they take actions that could result in environmental damage. Taking care of the environment is each and every person’s responsibility,” she said.
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