Oct 14, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. The suspension of issuing timber-harvesting permits in communal areas of the Kavango region has remained in force for almost a year now, Namibian news agency, NAMPA, reported. The decision to stop issuing timber-harvesting permits came into effect in November last year, and forms part of minimising the excessive harvesting of trees in the region. It was prompted by the increasing cases of illegal logs, and non-compliance of permit holders. Rundu District Forestry officer Mwiikinghi Jonas told Nampa on Monday that the permit decision is still on, and that this suspension will not be lifted anytime soon. Jonas explained that the Directorate of Forestry is not in favour of the transportation of raw materials such as timber from this region to elsewhere, saying such activities are depleting natural resources and also not benefiting the communities. "Nobody is allowed to harvest timber in communal areas because it's not adding value to the communities", he stressed. He said those wishing to apply for timber harvesting permits should do so with the Community Forestry Offices, and not with the District Forestry office any longer. There are currently about five gazetted community forestry settings in the region. They are the Ncumgara community forestry, Ncaute, Ncamagoro, Mbeyo and Hansi Kanyinga community forestry. Last year alone, about 40 cases of illegal logging of timber were reported to the District Forestry office. A person found in possession of illegal forestry products like timber is liable to a fine of up to N.dollars 8000 ($900) or two years imprisonment, or both.