Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi in partnership with Go Green on Wednesday donated 7,000 tree seedlings to people of Chileka in Blantyre as part of its reforestation drive. According to Escom Senior Administration and logistics Manager, Emmillias Kandapo, the commitment was in response to requirements by Natural Climate Change Policies.
“As Escom, we have also been affected by the cutting down of trees. The trees provide protection of our networks with the cyclone and heavy rains. If all the stakeholders come together, private and public, we can restore the environment to what is desired.” Kandapo said.
Go Green coordinator Lawrence Kafere, said trees provide what many hidden benefits. “We plant a lot of trees but taking care of the trees is a problem. Trees are also been burned down by charcoal. There are some hidden items that trees contribute to us, like the air we breathe.” Kafere said.
Member of Parliament for Blantyre West Constituency, Isaac Kaneka, expressed gratitude towards Escom. “Chileka is one of the areas that have been hit hard by deforestation as most of the charcoal comes from here. This tree planting will help us restore the nature.” Kaneka said.
1,000 of the trees will be planted around Escom offices and substations. 2,000 in different communities in conjunction with chiefs with 4,000 trees being planted at Chigumukile and Kachanga Primary Schools.
Source: The Daily Times_February 13, 2020_by Sharon Chirwa