Illegal timber dealers depleted 200 tons of timber in the last five years from Imilai and Hatire Forests in Ikwoto County of Eastern Equatoria.
Agriculture, Forestry and Cooperatives minister John Ochan said the state losses about 30 to 40 tons in timber from the two forests every year to illegal loggers, Emmanuel Radio reported.
He suspected members of the community who liaise with people from other states in illegal forest plundering in the state, adding that neighbouring countries nationals also plunder the forests of the state.
The minister lamented that the state losses such big quantity of timber that could earn huge amount of money as revenue to the government.
He noted that the forests are being looted in the presence of government law enforcement officers who were to safeguard the state property and resources.
The minister cited challenges in implementing laws, saying enforcement officers were bribed because they should arrest and jail culprits of illegal logging.
Mr Ochan disclosed government’s plans to train more guards and give out concession to private investor to protect and use the forest products to generate income to the state.