Malawi First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has appealed to people in the country to take tree planting exercises seriously, saying that is the only way the country can prevent natural disasters like floods.
The First Lady made the remarks during a tree planting exercise at Kasungu Municipality catchment area.
“We all have heard what has happened in some districts in the country where floods have caused havoc. This is because in some parts of the country, people have cut down trees carelessly,” she said.
Madame Mutharika who was accompanied by Madame Mary Chilima wife to Vice President Saulos Chilima then advised the forestry department in Kasungu to provide seedlings to the municipality to be planted during this year’s tree planting season.
Besides planting trees, the First Lady who is also patron of Beautify Malawi-BEAM Trust also took part in a cleaning exercise in some parts of the municipality.
Mayoress for the Municipality Ireen Bakuwa thanked Madame Mutharika for choosing to conduct the cleaning exercise in Kasungu.
“Your visit and work here has taught us people of Kasungu that it is possible to maintain a clean environment with little resources,” said Mayoress Bakuwa.
The First Lady also toured Kasungu Secondary School where it was discovered that there is a shortage of hostels for girls.
“I have noted with concern the housing problems which girls are facing. As BEAM we will try to assist in any way we can and possibly build a girls hostel,” she promised.
She also said similar exercises will be undertaken in some community day secondary schools.
