COUNCIL, NYARADZO PLANT TREES AT CEMETERY
HARARE City Council and Nyaradzo Funeral Services planted 80 trees at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare yesterday as part of efforts to minimise environmental degradation and to conserve natural resources.
The event was graced by senior City of Harare officials, Ward 15 Councillor Tichaona Mhetu, Nyaradzo Group executives, the Forestry Commission, business community and Friends of the Environment Partners.
Sydney Chakuchichi, the Nyaradzo Funeral Services general manager, hailed the initiative.
“The programme seeks to create a green city as we play our part in the quest to restore the capital’s Sunshine City status,” he said.
“The green city initiative is an attempt to restore our ecosystem, minimise environmental degradation and conserve natural resources. Since cemeteries are sacred places, once reclaimed with trees, we limit chances of human interference and consequently create an intact forest.
“The created forest aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the preservation of animal habitat.
“A woodland cemetery provides a peaceful, eco-friendly resting place for a loved one.
“This initiative reduces the need for maintenance of the grave site.”
Harare City Council district manager, Stonard Majogo, commended stakeholders, who initiated the event.
“This is a welcome development and we will continue to work with our partners in restoring our natural habitat,” he said.
Godfrey Batsirai Munetsi, the Harare Chief Parks and Cemeteries officer and Harare tourism and hospitality provincial subcommittee member Garikai Makuya, both hailed the initiative.