Juffa wants log levy funds audited

Northern Governor Gary Juffa has called on authorities to audit the log export development levy (LEDL) funds.
Juffa told The National that while he commended the Government for taking away the LEDL function from the Forestry Authority, the funds had to be audited to ensure they were spent as required by law.
“The accounts must be audited as the funds have been misused and paid to recipients who are not genuine landowners,” he said,
“The funds should be paid to landowners only through their ward councilors, council presidents and community leaders.”
Juffa said these funds could be used as counterpart funding to district and provincial funds to build schools, aid posts and roads.
“It is supposed to be paid to the provincial governments and local level governments for community projects in affected areas,” Juffa said.
“So far, none of the funds have funded any projects as far as I know.
“They were instead paid to individuals and entities who are not genuine landowners.
“I’m glad the Government has taken the LEDL function from Forestry.
“They must now audit the fund and payouts made.”