Ntcheu District plans to expand forest cover

Ntcheu district forestry officer Donnex Mtambo says they are targeting to expand the district’s forest cover by 25 percent in the next five years.

 He said this on Saturday during a constituency tree planting launch at Bemvu Hill in Ntcheu Central Constituency.

 Said Mtambo: “The district targets to plant 1.7 million tree seedlings in its seven constituencies this year. 

“Currently the forest cover is at 21 percent, but we are targeting to reach 25 percent in the next five years, according to District Development Plan.”

 He said the district will plant tree seedlings on 680 hectares (ha) and regenerate trees on 810 ha in all constituencies.

 On his part, Ntcheu Central legislator Albert Mbawala urged communities to embrace other income generating activities instead of relying on selling forest products.

The lawmaker commended various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their role in reducing wanton cutting down of trees.

 Said Mbawala: “Different NGOs have introduced the use of briquettes as well as energy saving stoves, which is commendable.

 “I, therefore, encourage people to learn these technologies and use them.”