Tanzanian authorities seize charcoal and equipment in Iringa Region
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In the Iringa region of Tanzania, government officials conducted operations in 25 villages and seized 1,591 sacks of charcoal.
The Iringa District Commissioner, Benjamin Sitta, reported the charcoal trade was increasing deforestation, threatening natural forests, reserves, and water sources. During the operation, authorities also confiscated vehicles, motorcycles, and traditional weapons used in illegal logging and transport. Sitta explained the operation targeted villages including Kihanga, Makombe, and Itengulinyi, where illegal harvesting and transport of forest products were occurring.
He warned that unchecked deforestation could lead to the loss of forests, drying water sources, and increased vulnerability to climate change. The destruction of forests also impacts citizens’ access to water, agriculture, and the overall environment, he said. Sitta called on village and ward leaders to fulfill their responsibilities honestly and avoid issuing illegal permits to those involved in forest harvesting or transport.
Eutropia Mrema, a forest conservator with the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS), stated the seized charcoal was harvested and transported in violation of the 2002 Forest Act. She confirmed that patrols would continue because of the significant environmental damage. The chairwoman of Nyamahana village, Amina Makombe, stated that the use of motorcycles to transport charcoal posed a challenge to the community and she supported efforts to control them.
