AT least 10_250 workers in the timber industry will lose their jobs if the government goes ahead with its planned compulsory acquisition of forest plantations for its land resettlement programme, the Zimbabwe Standard reported on Tuesday. The Zimbabwe Timber Producers’ Federation (ZTPF), which contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s industrial output last year, has registered its displeasure over the government’s intention to compulsorily acquire forest plantations for resettlement. Nigel Payne, chairman of the federation, said members of his federation are concerned about the government’s decision to designate 55 timber plantations and farms for acquisition. He said although the government had in the past given assurances to the timber industry that forest plantations would be spared from the resettlement programme, plantations continue to be listed for compulsory acquisition and resettlement. – IRIN