By Esnath Kalawe
As a campaigh trail being championed by Lilongwe City Council(LCC) The Reunion Insurance, LCC and GLF Lilongwe Chapter last saturday joined efforts in tree planting activity along Lingadzi river in narea 47, Lilongwe.
The innitiative is part of fulfilling Reunion Insurance corporate social responsibility to support the making Lilongwe Green Campaigh which is being championed by LCC.
Representing Mayor of LCC, Councillor Chakakala Chaziya of Chinsapo ward appauded Reunion Insurance Company for continued support in sponsoring the tree planting activity saying it is one way of supporting the agenda to protect the environment and beautifying the city.
Councilor Chakakala Chaziya of Chinsapo 2 Ward representative of the Lilongwe City Mayor planting a tree in Area 47 along Lingadzi River
“Lilongwe City Council needs more tree planting innitiatives to protect the environment from floods and beautifying the city .The recent cases of floods in some areas within the city are as a result of wanton cutting down of trees along river banks.” Chaziya explained.
Legal and Compliance Manager for Reunion Insurance Salome Mdala (Rep of Reunion Insurance CEO) thanked all stakeholders for joining the auspicious occassion saying their company believes that trees makes the environment cleaner and provides oxygen.
Salome Mdala, Legal and Compliance Manager representing the company’s CEO
“If you cut a tree, you kill a life, and if you save a tree, you save a life. If you plant a tree , you plant a life. Reunion Insurance company serves interests of Malawians. It is persuaded that a little effort towards saving the environment is better that no effort.” Mdala said.
Mdala pointed out that “This year alone the company has assisted Zomba City Council, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) as well as Lilongwe City Council for similar tree planting activities to the tune of MK3,000 000”.
She added that they will continue supporting the innitiative in the coming years.
On his part , representative of GLF Lilongwe Chapter Dr Emmanuel Chinkwita said trees and forests plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of climate change hence their company thought it wise to partner with Reunion insurance on this important activity.
“Planting trees is one of the most important things to do to contribute to the health of the planet to aid filtering of air, drawing carbon dioxide, breathing out oxygen preventing floods and provide a hospitable place for animals to live.” Chinkwita said.
Among other notable people in attendance during the event were members of the Association of the Envoronmental Journalists in Malawi including Mathews Malata were part of the poeple who took part in tree planting innitiative.
The activity started with a big walk from Bwandiro to Edge Waters Court in area 47. Almost 1,000 Mibawa trees were planted along the degraded river line of the lingadzi river.
As the company will soon clock 17 years of its existence , the company will continue innitiating activities for the beauty of the city and health of the planet as well as safeguarding human diginity in health planet.
