Director of Forestry, at the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security William Bangura said the issuance of the license would facilitate employment for youth in the country, adding that every development activities undertaking by government happened to be in the interest of the people.
He pointed out that the timber license for exporting has been no exception in the government strives to provide employment as well as developing the country through income that would be generated from the timber trade.
“All of us or majority of us were one way or the other yearning and asking government to lift the ban on international timber trade” William Bangura added.
He mentioned that President Koroma has decided to positively respond to the general plea made by numerous Farmers, Timber traders, Community people and local authorities that the logs that have been cut to be exported, the president arrived at the said decision after several consultation with stakeholders involved in the timber business, William noted.
William Bangura confirmed that there are mitigation policies, and that they would massively engage in tree planting in order to prevent global warming.
Chief Executive Officer, Construction and General Supplies Company Limited Patrick Koroma stated that he would continue to work with other exporters and the Timber Association in boosting the trade for economic growth and the creating of jobs for youth.
He furthered that the timber business happened to be gradual during the raining season, however, he said they would work hard to raise fund to pay their National Revenue Authority tax, while stating that such action really important for the government revenue generation.
“I think, this is the first time the Timber Association and various associations working with just one company that has never happened before.” Patrick Koroma pointed.
He stated that he has been supporting the tree planting project with funding to ensure that trees are cut down being replace, he emphasized that he would continue to supporting the project as it is important in the sustainability of the timber trade.
Adviser, Timber Association Mohamed Kamara applauded the government for their bold action to grant the license that would allow the exporting of five thousand containers of timber.
He reiterated that they have never witnessed what is happening at the moment, wherein all the associations concern ranging from Farmers, Drivers and timber associations among others to support just one company in timber exporting.
Chairman, Timber Association Abass Janneh said they would embrace the company and try to regulate properly, in order for them to earn the expected result and for the license not to be withdrawn again, pointing out that there are constrains at the moment as it is the raining season.
