Phalombe District Commissioner Yobu Makina Gama is facing criticism as illegal activities in the Michesi and Mulanje forests continue to escalate, with his repeated warnings failing to translate into any concrete action.
Communities around the mountains warn that continued forest destruction threatens water sources, farmland, and local livelihoods, leaving residents frustrated and vulnerable as encroachment, charcoal production and illegal farming persist.
Parts of the forests have reportedly been converted into centers for charcoal production, illegal timber trading, and maize cultivation, activities that conservationists say are accelerating deforestation and damaging the fragile mountain ecosystem.
Allegations have also emerged that some council officials are cultivating land within the forest reserves, fueling suspicions of corruption and weak enforcement. Observers argue that repeated warnings from the district leadership have failed to stop encroachers or protect the forests.
On Friday, Makina issued yet another warning, this time urging women to be cautious of men who come to the area under the pretext of marriage but engage in illegal tree cutting and stone extraction at night.
“Many men are flocking here claiming to marry and start businesses, but in reality, they are part of groups destroying the Mulanje and Michesi mountains,” lamented Makina.
He made the remarks during a ceremony where Traditional Authorities Nkhumba and Nyambalo signed a forest conservation agreement with environmental organisation WeForest in Phalombe.
However, some observers warn that such meetings and repeated warnings will have little impact unless authorities take firm and visible action against those exploiting the forests for profit.
Meanwhile, Ted Kamoto, a senior official in the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Natural Resources, emphasised that collaboration with local communities is critical for protecting the mountains from further destruction.
WeForest official Mathews Tsilizeni expressed hope that the agreement with traditional leaders will strengthen conservation efforts and curb illegal activities threatening the forests.
