Amid Controversy over Temporary Permit
By Madiba Singhateh
Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, clarified on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, that the government has no intention to degazette Salagi Forest. This statement comes after a temporary permit was granted to GACH Global to operate a basalt depot within the park, situated along the Jabang Highway.
Speaking to Foroyaa about the official gazette status of Salagi Forest, Minister Manjang dismissed rumours about the forest’s degazetting as “baseless.” She emphasized that the ministry’s decision only allows for limited, temporary operations, ensuring the forest’s status remains intact.
“These words on the street are unfounded,” the Minister asserted. “We at the ministry never intended to degazette Salagi.”
This clarification follows recent tensions within the Sukuta Salagi community and among environmental advocates, who expressed alarm over the ministry’s decision to permit the depot. Concerns about the environmental impact led a delegation of community members and environmentalists to meet with the ministry and discuss critical issues regarding the forest’s protection.
One of the central topics raised during the meeting was the importance of community consultation. Local representatives stressed that including the Sukuta Salagi community in decisions affecting the forest is essential for transparency and trust.
In her response to the delegation, Minister Manjang acknowledged the complexity of reversing the temporary allocation decision but suggested exploring alternative solutions. She reiterated her commitment to ongoing dialogue and indicated that additional protective measures for the community could be implemented, including potential fencing around the depot and further consultation with community stakeholders.
Established in the 1950s, Salagi Forest Park is a gazetted reserve, originally designated to promote forest production and conservation for the benefit of the people of Sukuta.
