Timber shortages are being forecast in South Africa if the country’s rising demand for timber continues.
Over the past six months demand has increased significantly and the country may have to turn to imports to meet the shortfall in the construction industry.
The shortage is being blamed on several factors, including two large forest fires in recent years that damaged around 140,000ha and poor forest management in government plantations.
Another worry is that some plantations are being given to South Africa’s parks authority and will not be available for timber production.
