Project embarks on tree planting in Ntcheu

To conserve and manage water catchment areas for Dombole, Nanyangu and Kasinje gravity fed piped water systems, the African Development Bank (AfDB) funded Sustainable Rural Water Infrastructure and Hygiene for Livelihood(SRWIHL) Project on Tuesday launched a tree planting exercise at Namitongwe in Traditional Authority (T/A) Ganya in Ntcheu.

District commissioner Smart Gwedemula said the district continues to face water challenges for both domestic and agricultural uses due to environmental degradation.

He said tree planting and conservation is the only sustainable intervention to sustainable water availability and access.

SRWIHL project officer Michael Harawa commended Ntcheu District Council for partnering with the project in mobilising communities to plant trees in catchment areas as one way of managing and conserving rivers’ catchment areas.

“It is pleasing to note that government through the district council prioritises catchment management activities under the Local Development Fund,” said Harawa.

T/A Ganya said he has introduced a tree planting competition among his subjects to ensure increased forestry cover in his area.

SRWIHL project is being implemented in Ntcheu, Nkhotakota, Rumphi, Mangochi and Phalombe. n