Companies asked to provide tree planting materials early

Companies and organisations that sponsor tree planting exercises have been urged to provide seedlings earlly for the trees to survive.

Speaking on Wednesday at Kasasanya Primary School in Kasungu during AHL Group tree care campaign, Chulu extension planning area (EPA) forestry assistant Monica Chimutu said she was happy that most of the people and companies have taken up the initiative to help in planting trees.

“It is good that some companies and organisations are helping to plant trees. However, the problem lies in providing the seedlings and other tree planting materials late.

“When this happens, the tender trees do not survive because rains stop early,” she said.

AHL Group in February provided seedlings and other tree planting materials to Kasasanya and other education zones in Kasungu. Currently, the company, formerly Auction Holdings Limited, is on a campaign to make sure the trees are cared for.

Chinkhoma Floors manager Stanley Anselimo said it is the wish of AHL Group to see that all trees planted survive and this can be achieved by learning from the past initiatives.

“Experience is the best teacher, we planted late last season and we also planted bad seedlings. This year, we have to plant the trees on time and plant good seedlings,” he said.

Anselimo said AHL Group appreciates that the tobacco industry uses a lot of trees that was why the group is in the forefront providing support to the schools.

As part of the tree caring campaign, AHL Group has donated watering cans, hoes and panga knives to Kasasanya schools. n