28 000 trees to be planted at Rusape Dam

STAKEHOLDERS in Makoni District have been called upon to collaborate to curb rampant deforestation bedeviling the area due to tobacco farming.

Forests are being destroyed at an alarming level, and if no serious and tangible efforts are put in place, the district faces a real risk of running out of trees which are the main sources of energy by most farmers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the belated district tree planting day last week, national tree ambassador, Mr Never Bonde, whose organisation, Isandla Esihle is setting up a botanical garden at Rusape Dam, said forest conversation is key for economic growth, hence the need to educate everyone on the importance of trees.

Mr Bonde said they set a target to plant 28 000 trees at Rusape Dam, residential areas and Central Business District.

“Climate change is real, and our forests are now seriously under threat of depletion. If we do not replace the trees that are being destroyed, we risk creating deserts.

“There is need to come up with sustainable and modern ways of tobacco curing and save trees. We will plant 28 000 trees on the shores of Rusape Dam to curb siltation. The dam is of economic importance, and it must be protected by all stakeholders,” said Mr Bonde.

Makoni District Development Coordinator, Mr Edwin Mashindi commended stakeholders for working together in fighting deforestation.

“There is rampant cutting down of trees in Makoni District, more so considering that this is a tobacco growing area. Efforts are being made for alternative sources of energy from Makoni Rural District Council which is pushing for the use of coal in curing tobacco.

“We are also advocating for the adoption of solar energy. Through the Department of Forestry, we have established several woodlots to curb the rampant cutting down of trees. Traditional and political leaders have also been roped in so that we work together to curb deforestation,” he said.

The tree planting event was attended by officials from Environmental Management Agency, Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, Government departments and the private sector.