The government of Central Equatoria state has suspended the cutting of teak trees in Yei and Lainya counties.

The state Governor issued a decree stopping teak logging companies from cutting trees in the forests of the two countries.

Two weeks ago, 5 people were injured when residents of Kagelu area clashed with teak logging companies in Otogo Payam of Yei River County.

The residents were demanding that the government provides them with a school, a health center and a borehole -in exchange of teak logging in Kagelu National Forest Reserve.

Yei River County Commissioner Juma David Augustine also expressed concern that the forest plantation is being destroyed without benefiting the community of Kagelu.

The state Minister of Information, Suba Samuel Manase, said the state government responded by suspending all logging activities in Lainya and Yei River Counties.

“We realized that some of these forests were being misused by some companies that were given permission by the National Government to go and harvest,” said Mr Manase.

“And the practice by these companies in cutting some of this teak can lead to disappearance of this forest.”

He said any company that wants to log in the state forests, must also seek permission from the state government:

“The Government of Central Equatoria’s request is that, the process of harvesting this teak should be in the way such that people could benefit. And if people violate this, definitely there will be consequences, because the commissioners are directed to ensure that this order is adhered to.”

Mr. Suba said that the order is issued to safeguard the resources of in the state.

Residents of Yei said they have not benefited from the companies or the government for using their resources.