Zomba City Council Launches Community Tree Planting Initiative to Restore Green
The council plans to recruit more residents from the Park section to maintain newly planted trees, signalling a comprehensive approach to urban greening.
ZOMBA, Malawi— Zomba City Council launched a community tree-planting program Tuesday, targeting increased local involvement in urban reforestation efforts, writes Peter Davieson.
Mayor Christopher Jana unveiled the initiative during a ceremony involving stakeholders including Castel Malawi, Dapp, and Sub-Saharan Africa Family Enrichment (SAFE).
"We have involved communities to take care of trees not for the city council's benefit, but for everyone," Jana said.
"If everyone takes part in caring for trees, they will grow and be useful in the future."
Macdonald Khoswe, SAFE's executive director, emphasised the urgency of addressing local deforestation.
"We encourage the community to be part of this tree-planting program. If each person in Zomba grows a tree, it would make a big difference," he said.
Community members like Selina Billy Simba from Chambo ward cited inadequate rainfall as motivation for participation, linking tree scarcity to environmental changes.
The council plans to recruit more residents from the Park section to maintain newly planted trees, signalling a comprehensive approach to urban greening.