Felling of trees approved to expand MTC coverage
Phillipus Josef
Rundu
The stretch of road between Rundu and Divundu in the Kavango East region has in recent months seen teams clearing trees to make way for MTC’s network line expansion, a development welcomed by some but criticised by others worried about its environmental impact.
In an interview with Namibian Sun on Monday, MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi stressed that these projects are not carried out recklessly.
“You don’t just wake up and start cutting trees. There are processes, approvals and environmental assessments that must be followed. Even when there’s no environmental impact, you still need permission from the responsible authority to dig or put something up,” he said.
Nekundi acknowledged that some residents may feel a sentimental attachment to certain trees or perceive the work as damaging.
He underlined that approvals are always sought before clearing begins.
“This is indeed our project. I’m 100% certain that the rightful approvals were obtained,” he added.
Chief forester Jonas Mwikinghi from the environment and forestry ministry told Namibian Sun this week that MTC did approach his office before commencing the project.
He admitted, however, that there were initial complaints about the way some trees were being cut.
“At the beginning, the contractors were leaving long stumps – a metre high in some cases – which wasn’t acceptable. We raised the issue and instructed them to cut properly at ground level. They have since rectified that,” Mwikinghi said.
“From Rundu up to about 60 kilometres, I did receive complaints on how the trees were being cut. But overall, the removal itself was inevitable – if the line must pass, the area has to be cleared,” he added.
Unavoidable cuts
Mwikinghi further clarified that the ministry issued permits authorising the removal of certain trees along the line, particularly where protected species were affected.
“We usually count and invoice for trees that are protected or of a specific size. Other species are not always accounted for, which is why I cannot give you the total number of trees removed so far,” he said.
Mwikinghi stressed that clearing vegetation is sometimes unavoidable for development projects, but that procedures must be respected to minimise environmental damage.
The project reportedly began around April this year and has since been progressing steadily.
Although some community members remain uneasy about the loss of trees that serve as sources of food or shade, both MTC and the ministry maintain that the work is necessary to expand network coverage in the region, provided environmental safeguards are followed.
[email protected]
Rundu
The stretch of road between Rundu and Divundu in the Kavango East region has in recent months seen teams clearing trees to make way for MTC’s network line expansion, a development welcomed by some but criticised by others worried about its environmental impact.
In an interview with Namibian Sun on Monday, MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi stressed that these projects are not carried out recklessly.
“You don’t just wake up and start cutting trees. There are processes, approvals and environmental assessments that must be followed. Even when there’s no environmental impact, you still need permission from the responsible authority to dig or put something up,” he said.
Nekundi acknowledged that some residents may feel a sentimental attachment to certain trees or perceive the work as damaging.
He underlined that approvals are always sought before clearing begins.
“This is indeed our project. I’m 100% certain that the rightful approvals were obtained,” he added.
Chief forester Jonas Mwikinghi from the environment and forestry ministry told Namibian Sun this week that MTC did approach his office before commencing the project.
He admitted, however, that there were initial complaints about the way some trees were being cut.
“At the beginning, the contractors were leaving long stumps – a metre high in some cases – which wasn’t acceptable. We raised the issue and instructed them to cut properly at ground level. They have since rectified that,” Mwikinghi said.
“From Rundu up to about 60 kilometres, I did receive complaints on how the trees were being cut. But overall, the removal itself was inevitable – if the line must pass, the area has to be cleared,” he added.
Unavoidable cuts
Mwikinghi further clarified that the ministry issued permits authorising the removal of certain trees along the line, particularly where protected species were affected.
“We usually count and invoice for trees that are protected or of a specific size. Other species are not always accounted for, which is why I cannot give you the total number of trees removed so far,” he said.
Mwikinghi stressed that clearing vegetation is sometimes unavoidable for development projects, but that procedures must be respected to minimise environmental damage.
The project reportedly began around April this year and has since been progressing steadily.
Although some community members remain uneasy about the loss of trees that serve as sources of food or shade, both MTC and the ministry maintain that the work is necessary to expand network coverage in the region, provided environmental safeguards are followed.
[email protected]
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