Raiply Malawi Limited decries theft of tree seedlings

Raiply Malawi Limited public relations officer Dalitso Chimwala has bemoaned theft of planted tree seedlings around its plantation in Mzimba District.

He said this on Thursday during a tree-planting exercise the company organised at Kalungulu and Thanthe primary schools in the district.

Chimwala said the company has already lost about a hectare of seedlings through theft during the current National Forestry Season.

“When we plant trees, some people uproot them during the night so they can either replant them in their fields or sell to other people,” he said.

Chimwala assured the communities that Raiply in collaboration with Viphya Plantation has planned to distribute tree seedlings to schools and churches.

Paramount Chief M’Mbelwa V advised his subjects to protect trees.

“We need to protect the plantation. Raiply Malawi Limited contributes a lot to the district’s development, including donating desks to schools and paying fees for needy children,” he said.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change director of forestry Stella Gama said conflicts between community members and some concessionaires rise because people need land for agricultural activities.

She said community members were not deterred from accessing forest produce such as firewood.

“I commend Raiply Malawi Limited for improving its relationship with community members through its corporate social responsibilities,” said Gama.