DAR ES SALAAM, Jan 1 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — MINISTER of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) Dr Selemani Jafo has unveiled plan of planting 267 million trees this year (2023), urging all Tanzanians to join forces of planting trees and protecting the environment to revert effects of global warming.
“I urge all Tanzanians in urban and rural settings to heed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call of joining efforts to conserve environment for our own development,” Dr Jafo said during an exercise of planting 100 trees in areas surrounding Kijazi Interchange in Dar es Salaam, on Saturday.
In achieving this year’s target, each of the 184 district councils country has been tasked to plant an average of 1.5 million trees.
He further warned Tanzanians against cutting down trees that have been planted in order to maintain greenish and cleanliness at homes and public places.
“The main goal is to realize President Samia’s Vision and implement her directives on environment protection and tree planting. So let us all raise up and join forces since planting trees is important for our lives and that of future generations,” the minister insisted.
The Campaign in Dar es Salaam, which was organized by Twende Pamoja organization, was also attended by Ubungo District Commissioner Kheri James.
In his speech while welcoming the Minister, James called upon residents in his district, petty traders in particular to adhere to environmental safety and cleanliness and ensure they conduct businesses designated places.
Youths from different parts of the Ubungo district took part in the cleaning and tree planting campaign in district’s streets. Activities included removing garbage from water trenches to allow smooth flow of rainy water, hence, to avoid floods.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian religious leaders have pledged to plant 100,000 trees in supporting the government’s efforts in protecting the environment to fight climate change effects in the New Year 2023.
They said they will organize a movement on environment conservation that will include tree planting while preaching the word of God.
The statement was made by association of religious leaders namely “Lake Zone Association of Prophets” during a press conference led by their spokesperson Pastor Godfrey Fungo.
The new conference, which was in line with activities to welcome the New Year 2023, was held at the Divine Favour Christian Church based in Nyamagana District.
Fungo said environment conservation and the life are inseparable, calling upon citizens to protect their environment by avoiding illegal tree cutting which can lead to desertification with its related harmful consequences including low rainfall and surge in cost of living due to food shortage.
“Making good environment for our country depends on our desire to see more tree flourishing. Protecting the environment is a must,” he said.
He further commended the government for its visionary decision of implementing different strategic economic projects including the 1,596-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), worth 16.67tri/-, as well as the Kigongo-Busisi Bridges, a 3-kilometre bridge, worth 716bn/-, which all aims at positioning Tanzania at a better economic position. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
