The Zambia National Association for Saw Millers has called for accountability following revelations that 5,568 confiscated Mukula logs cannot be accounted for.
According to the Auditor General’s Report for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, a status report from the Mpika District Forestry Office showed that 5,595 Mukula logs were confiscated between 2021 and 2025.
However, a physical inspection conducted in May 2026 verified only 27 logs at facilities under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
Association General Secretary Derrick Chilatu says the development defeats the purpose of the Mukula export ban, which he says has cost saw millers businesses and lives.
Mr. Chilatu says some association members invested personal funds or obtained bank loans to harvest the timber, only for it to be confiscated and subsequently go missing.
He has called on authorities to account for the missing logs.
By Respite Kaoma
