Dapp launches tree planting season in Chileka

The development Aid from People to People (Dapp) has launched a programme aimed at planting two million trees as part of the national tree planting season.

Such trees would be planted across the country, especially, where there are Dapp training institutions.

The event, which took place in Chilangoma, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kuntaja in Chileka, Blantyre on Friday, was presided over by Dapp officials and T/A Kuntaja.

Dapp head of programmes Moses Chibwana said the organisation decided to launch the programme in the area as it is one of their catchment areas.

He said about K10 million (US$2 386) has been budgeted for the exercise, likely to see communities and Dapp officials in the North, Centre and South teaming up for the cause.

“We want to ensure that communities where we work are not prone to climate change effects. And this is why, the initiative is called fighting climate change through tree planting,” he said.

Chibwana hailed the partnership that exists with government, saying the district forestry offices have pledged to supply trees and expertise on how to plant such trees.

In his remarks, T/A Kuntaja underscored the need for people in the area to plant more trees for firewood and timber production purposes.

He further warned communities against the cutting down of trees unnecessarily.

“As chief, I have advised my subjects to stop wanton cutting down of trees knowing fully the effects of climate change. It is either that will pay a chicken or that they have to plant at least 10 trees as punishment,” he said.

One of the communities, Loveness Kateleka confessed that the tress once they grow will assist her family fetch firewood nearby as opposed to the current state.

“We are also expected to use trees for timber production,” said Kateleka