Six arrested for felling trees

MUSANZE - Police in Musanze District has arrested six people in connection with felling trees for brick’s burning. Those arrested were identified as Faustan Zirimwabagabo, Silveri Nteziryayo, Nyabujinja Hamis.Others are Thadeo Gato, Gwaneza Bapirtsta, and Mukamana Merceline Upon their arrest, some confessed to having been involved in cutting down the forests, while others denied, claiming they were buying wood from their neighbours. “I have been felling timber and firewood from Gishwati forest, in Nyabihu district. A full truck (of timber) costs Rwf60,000, this is what we have been doing for the last four months,’’ Nteziryayo said. The District Police Commander, Supt. Vincent Kamanzi, said that it is illegal to cut down trees without permission. “They have to seek authorisation to cut down trees. We don’t stop them from burning bricks, but they have to use better means to protect the environment and desist from illegal harvesting of forests,’’ Kamanzi said. Those arrested were also accused of polluting the environment as they lacked proper channelling of smoke from the burning wood. Ends

National

Six arrested for felling trees