Nyang’hwale attains 61 pc of afforestation programme

GEITA: NYANG’HWALE District Council in Geita has successfully planted a total of 926,944 trees in the 2023/2024 financial year, which is 61.79 per cent of the targeted 1.5 million trees.

This project is implemented in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS) and various environmental stakeholders, including RIHEO.

The survival rate of the planted trees is 85 per cent. Nyang’hwale District Forestry Officer Mr Mrema Juma presented the programme to the leaders of the Uhuru Torch Race 2024 during their visit to the afforested area at Igalula Mining Secondary School.

He noted that the school tree project began in November 2023, utilising seedlings produced in school nurseries, with a total of 643 trees planted.

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The planted trees are categorised into shade trees and various fruit trees. Mr Mrema explained that the goal is to protect school buildings from strong winds, provide shade and clean air for students during breaks and enhance students’ nutrition through fruit consumption.

“These trees have been planted in government institutions such as schools, dispensaries, health centres, ward offices and district offices, as well as in community areas,” he said.

However, for the 2023/2024 financial year, the council fell short of its goal to plant 1.5 million trees due to delays in seedling availability.

To address this challenge, the council plans to establish two nurseries funded through Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and the ‘Forest Fund’ to ensure they meet the target in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Mr Godfrey Mzava, leader of the Uhuru Torch Races 2024, emphasised the need for the council to increase efforts in both afforestation and reforestation programmes to combat climate change.

“Therefore, the district’s afforestation programmes must be progressive and closely monitored to ensure essential environmental safety,” he stated.