.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Government Bans Timber, Granite Stones Exportation

A press release from the Office of the President issued last Thursday has placed a ban on the illegal exploitation and export of timber, dimension stones and granite from the country.

"The attention of Government has been drawn to the illegal exploitation and export of timber, dimension stones and granite from the country. It is obvious that the deforestation in the Freetown peninsula is destroying the catchment areas, which could eventually lead to a severe shortage of water, whilst the uncontrolled removal of granite from the hills surrounding populated areas could expose settlements at the bottom of the hills to severe land slides in the future. As these activities are destructive to the environment and bring only minimal benefits to the state, Government has decided to stop the exploitation and export of these two commodities with immediate effect," the release stated.  

The release noted that, the Government is taking steps to put in place adequate measures "Until such measures are put in place however, no persons or companies would be allowed to engage in these activities. The police and custom officers have been directed to take appropriate action," it concluded.

Link to allAfrica.com: Sierra Leone: Government Bans Timber, Granite Stones Exportation (Page 1 of 1)