As part of the 63rd Independence Day celebrations of Tanganyika, the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board, in collaboration with the Mzinga Crops Unit and other environmental stakeholders, spearheaded an ambitious tree-planting campaign in the Mindu Dam conservation area, planting 7,000 trees.
Speaking during the event, Engineer Elibariki Mmassy, Director of the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board, highlighted the critical need for environmental conservation and urged citizens to immediately stop harmful practices such as tree-cutting and burning.
He warned that violators would face strict legal action.
“The restoration of natural vegetation in conservation areas like Mindu Dam is vital to preserving water resources and biodiversity. Today’s tree-planting effort is part of an ongoing initiative to ensure the rehabilitation of this crucial ecosystem,” he stated.
The initiative aims to plant a total of 10,000 trees in the Mindu Dam area and other key sites. The trees include timber species, fruit-bearing trees, and economically valuable varieties such as cloves and avocados, which provide ecological and economic benefits.
Major Hashim Abdallah Msuya, Administrative Officer from the Mzinga Crops Unit, emphasized the importance of this effort in maintaining Mindu Dam's capacity to provide clean and safe water to Morogoro Municipality residents.
“This initiative not only ensures a sustainable water supply but also contributes to environmental conservation and community livelihoods. We call upon residents surrounding the dam to actively protect the planted trees, refrain from starting uncontrolled fires, and prevent livestock from grazing in the reforested areas,” he said.
Mindu Dam supplies over 75% of the clean and safe water consumed by Morogoro Municipality. Its conservation is a critical priority for sustaining water availability and safeguarding the region's future.
Through this collaborative tree-planting initiative, stakeholders are demonstrating their commitment to combating environmental degradation, restoring natural ecosystems, and ensuring a sustainable future. As Engineer Mmassy aptly concluded:
"Water resources are essential to life—they must be preserved."