Govt to examine opportunities for value-added lumber in Region 10

The Natural Resources Ministry is exploring the possibility of establishing a community sawmill for the logging communities of Kwakwani and Ituni as a means of promoting value-added production.
During a recent two-day outreach to the logging communities, the request for assistance in this area was raised with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
In Kwakwani, some residents called for a review of taxes on timber products since they claimed they were “an extra burden to the forestry sector”. It was pointed out by other residents that the promotion of value-added production, such as sawmilling, was one way to reduce taxes.
“I think, and I believe and most persons will agree with me, that we need to start doing some more value-added to our forestry products,” Joslyn Morian told Minister Trotman during a public meeting at the Kwakwani Primary School.
Minister Trotman said the suggestion would be examined. “The idea of maybe a community sawmill is not a bad one. It is something Government will explore as an incentive because we are taxing you at 14 per cent, we should be giving back something to compensate for that,” Minister Trotman said.
A similar request was made by members of the Ituni Logging Association for infrastructure or equipment to promote value-added production. One member also requested assistance in boosting trade of such products. “It would impact the community so much that persons wouldn’t be underselling their produce to outside buyers,” the resident said.
The Natural Resources Ministry has been reviewing policies in the forestry sector with the aim of promoting value-added production of lumber.