Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) on Saturday planted 20,000 tree seedlings at Zomba Plateau to improve vegetative cover around Mulunguzi Dam catchment eventually stopping siltation which compromises water level.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia joined the SWRB in the tree planting exercese and hailed the board for planning to plant the 150,000 trees in the current 2024/2025 forestry season.

Mia observed that there had been serious deforestation of Zomba plantation in recent years, saying SRWBs afforestation drive was commendable as it will improve water flow into the dam hence the need to restore the plateaus past glory of thick vegetation.

“I am glad to learn that the board will plant 150,000 trees this year of which 100,000 will be planted in the Kuchawe catchment. This is the way to go,” the minister added.

Mia further observed that there will not be fear of Mulunguzi dam drying as has been the case in recent years following irresponsible tree harvests.

“Few weeks ago, I came here to see the status of the dam. It was so disheartening to see the low water level in the dam. Although water level has now improved but we need more trees so that the dam should have water all year round” she said.

Mia appealed to various stakeholders to embrace tree planting.
SRWB, Chief Executive Officer, Duncan Chimbamba said 98 per cent of trees which the board planted around the dam and other parts of the plateau survive due to a number of interventions among them; monitoring tree seedlings growth and caring, protecting the seedlings from factors that contribute to destruction.

“We dont just plant and abandon the trees, we care for them and we make sure we have fire breaks in all our catchments in the region,” Chimbamba added.

Various stakeholders took part in the SRWB tree planting, among them; the Malawi Defense Forces, the Malawi Police Service, Raiply Limited, Malawi Housing Corporation, and learners from various schools in Zomba.