Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw
4-H Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) in the Midlands province have joined forces to launch a tree-planting initiative as part of the belated National Tree Planting Day commemorations.
Over the weekend, 1 000 trees donated by 4-H Zimbabwe were planted at Wha Wha Medium Prison Complex by prison officers and inmates, promoting environmental conservation.
This project is part of 4-H Zimbabwe’s broader tree-planting programme, which aims to reforest and afforest Zimbabwe through community and school-based initiatives.
The programme seeks to address deforestation and promote environmental stewardship through continuous tree planting and finding alternative sources of energy.
National Tree Planting Day falls on the first Saturday of every December and each year, a tree of focus is selected as the “Tree of the Year”. This year, the national tree is the Mukashu (Shona)/Umkondiwa (Ndebele) (Rauvolfia caffra/Quinine tree).
Addressing delegates at the tree-planting ceremony, ZPCS Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Commissioner Somemore Gate, said the ZPCS is also teaching pupils at Wha Wha Primary School to plant trees. He added that the ZPCS is focused on setting up biogas plants within prisons to provide inmates with a clean energy source for cooking.
“We have made deliberate efforts to ensure that all the students we enrol at Wha Wha Primary School plant trees, so that by the time they reach Grade Seven, they will see their trees grow. At the moment, we are working on establishing biogas plants at our prisons to ensure prisoners have clean energy for cooking,” said Commissioner Gate.
4-H Zimbabwe director, Mr John Muchenje, urged society to embrace a culture of tree planting and nature preservation for posterity.
“As we witness the rapid depletion of forests and the alarming effects of climate change, it becomes imperative for us to take action. National Tree Planting Day serves as a powerful reminder that each of us can make a positive difference by planting a tree today,” he said.
“We are investing in a greener, healthier future and combating climate change by reducing air pollution, thereby mitigating the devastating impacts of natural disasters.”
Mr Muchenje emphasised that this culture of tree planting must involve public-private partnerships, in line with the Government’s devolution agenda.
“On this National Tree Planting Day, let us pledge to make a lasting impact. Planting a tree is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a commitment to nurturing and caring for our environment,” he said.
“It is a call to action for each one of us to become stewards of nature, to protect and restore the green spaces that sustain us. Let us carry the spirit of tree planting in our hearts throughout the year and embrace the responsibility to protect our environment and preserve the precious gift of nature.”
Acting Midlands Provincial Forestry Commission Manager, Mr Polite Foto, said planting trees is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the environment is preserved.
“Veld fires have become a continual menace around the Wha Wha area, destroying established woodlots at the institution. These newly planted trees will also serve as shelter belts,” he said.
“During the last fire season, five cases of fires were reported at the institution, most of them originating from outside. The institution should implement pre-suppression measures before the onset of the fire season.”
Mr Foto highlighted other environmental challenges, including deforestation and called for the implementation of conservation measures for restoration purposes.
“The Whitewaters Dam, which is a water source for Gweru and Wha Wha, is under threat from siltation due to damage to its catchment area caused by indiscriminate tree cutting and fires,” he said.
mbulelo smpofu
