Onankali, has launched an operation to combat the illegal sale of firewood at Omuthiya and surrounding villages. The initiative has already resulted in several confiscations of illegally harvested wood, Omuthiya Town Council spokesperson Martha Andreas said on Friday. Directorate of Forestry officials also used the opportunity to inform wood vendors about the correct processes for harvesting, transporting, and selling firewood. "Our people should know that permits are mandatory for all firewood-related activities," Andreas emphasised. She said individuals wishing to harvest firewood must first obtain a permit from the ministry, which requires a consent letter from their village headperson specifying the applicant's name and the desired quantity in tonnes. Two types of harvesting permits are available - commercial permits which cost N$20, and 'own use' permits which cost N$10, with an additional cost of N$60 per tonne.