The Zambia National Association of Sawmillers wants government’s decision to ban the exportation of timber to be stayed by the High Court.

In June 2017, Minister of Lands Jean Kapata extended the ban on timber exports to all types of timber in the country following the ban of harvesting and exporting Mukula logs.

But the association, through its secretary general William Bwalya, said the Minister’s decision to ban the exportation of timber was irregular as it would affect the welfare of their members who depend on harvesting and exporting timber for their livelihood.

Bwalya stated that before the licenses expired, the Ministry of Lands suspended the export of timber without concrete reasons.

Bwalya also submitted that most of the saw millers had been denied concessions as only 59 were given licenses.

He says despite showing concession licenses to security agents, the state had continued to seize their products.