City says residents may collect dry wood

City of Windhoek spokesperson Harold Akwenye says residents with permits are allowed to collect dry wood available in public open spaces for their own use.

This comes after some residents have raised concern over permits issued to collect wood in the Avis area, saying it may encourage individuals to chop down trees.

Akwenye has confirmed that permits for residents to collect dry wood from river beds in Windhoek have been issued.

“No trees are cut down for the purpose of wood usage. Secondly, the permit holder is allowed to collect up to one bakkie load.

“In the area of Avis, dry wood is also available in public open spaces. That is the wood the residents are allowed to collect for their own use,” he says.

Akwenye says residents of informal settlements mostly use wood for cooking purposes.

“The council is committed to ensuring the protection of biodiversity and promoting healthy ecosystems, and in cases where permit holders cut down trees, punitive measures are in place.

“Residents are also encouraged to report such incidents when encountered,” he says.

Greenspace chairperson Vera Freyer says although they have sympathy with people who need energy for personal and family use, they think the wood is being used for commercial gain.

Greenspace is a voluntary non-profit organisation which supports the development and maintenance of urban open spaces in and around Windhoek.

Freyer says the organisation is disappointed by the City of Windhoek for issuing permits for areas such as Avis.

“These are the areas where people go for a walk and see the beautiful nature outside the city. It seems the City of Windhoek does not understand anything about the environment,” she says.

Freyer says trees are sometimes cut down in winter, and are collected months later when they have dried out.

“Even dry wood has its purpose. We will not allow the chopping of trees and woods under lease areas.

“We need to keep the environment in its natural element, but now they are giving permits for people to destroy nature,” she says.

Feyer says the organisation sees the area around Avis Dam as a conservation area, which needs protection.