Foundation in tree-planting exercise

Non-profit organisation Makazi Foundation on Saturday led a tree planting exercise at Chigwaja Primary School in Chilomoni Township, Blantyre.

The organisation’s head of programmes Tatenda Makondesa said the exercise was part of their ongoing efforts to support the community recover from the Cyclone Freddy damage.

He said they believe the initiative is a holistic approach to achieving recovery and sustainability in the community.

Said Makondesa: “We have been working closely with the community and the management of Chigwaja Primary School to implement recovery programmes.

“This year, we introduced an environmental conservation programme that includes tree planting involving students.”

He said to ensure that the trees are well managed, they have trained students to become pioneers in environmental conservation.

Said Makondesa: “The teachers and community leaders have pledged to continue raising awareness on environmental conservation.

“We are hoping that they will show the right attitude to support our cause.”

In his remarks, group village head Zinganguwo said the areas around Michiru Forest Reserve are at risk from natural disasters because of deforestation.

He said: “Deforestation has put people’s lives in danger because we are likely going to experience floods in the event that it rains heavily.

“We don’t have any trees anymore. As traditional leaders, we are doing our best, but our efforts are not enough. When we have organisations coming with such initiatives we feel honoured.”

Mount View International Primary School partnered in the tree-planting exercise by donating 300 tree seedlings.

Six hundred trees were planted at a cost of K300 000.