Samia wants forests restored

IDDY MWEMA

Vice-President, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan, plants a tree when launching a tree planting campaign at Gymkhana grounds in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

THE Vice-President, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called for restoration of vegetation and protection of water sources to fight the impact of climate change.

Ms Samia made the call yesterday when addressing thousands of Dar es Salaam residents who turned up during the launching of tree planting campaign dubbed ‘My Tree’ along Kilwa Road in Temeke District. She said that the campaign should be implemented countrywide due to its significance in environmental conservation particularly in fighting the impact of climate change.

The VP said that studies show that the increment of carbon dioxide emission in Dar es Salaam is due to the big number of industries and people, thus concerted efforts were needed between the government, private institutions, civil societies and citizens to conserve environment and planting trees.

She commended Dar es Salaam regional authorities for their effort to improve and strengthen water infrastructure along the city roads to facilitate watering of planted trees.

"It's my hope that this campaign will be sustainable and in a few years to come other regions will be learning from Dar es Salaam due to its new look," she said. Ms Samia directed state organs in Dar es Salaam which have been given the responsibility of keeping the trees to ensure that they grow and make the city attractive.

After launching the campaign Ms Samia who was accompanied by a Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office (Union and Environment), Mr January Makamba and the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Prof Jumanne Maghembe, inspected the water infrastructure along Nyerere and Ally Hassan Mwinyi roads which will be used for watering the trees.

On his part, Minister Makamba said that more than one million acres of forest have, so far, been destroyed. Mr Makamba said they are implementing a restoration plan of forests. He said that they are also planning to bring back tree planting awards.

“We are planning to bring back tree planting awards to motivate citizens to plant and restore water sources, whereby winners will be given gift money in appreciation of their contributions,” he said.

He, however, said if necessary measures would not be taken, there is a threat that the country will turn into a desert. Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paul Makonda, underlined the importance of Dar es Salaam residents in planting and protecting trees, saying the exercise would not only mitigate the climate change catastrophe, but also would make the city beautiful.

“Everybody should take full responsibility in making sure that these trees grow to make our city attractive. We want Dar es Salaam to become as attractive city just like any other city in Africa if not the world,” said the Mr Makonda moreover urged residents to water the planted trees as planting trees is one exercise and watering them is another.

In making sure the exercise is achieved in Temeke, the District’s Mayor, Mr Abdallah Chaurembo, said the council is prepared well to form by-laws that would ease the exercise.

He said anyone who will wish to have a business licence will have to show his tree and he would be supposed to show his tree’s progress when he wants to renew that licence. “During collection of property tax, we will work close with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to inspect trees, at least everyone should own one tree,” he revealed.