Ileje MP and Deputy Minister for Works, Eng Godfrey Kasekenya, has called for community support for families affected by a fire that destroyed residents' tree plantations in Ileje District, Songwe Region.
Mr Kasekenya made the appeal while visiting the affected areas, where he expressed sympathy with the victims and provided financial assistance to some families to meet medical expenses.
He urged residents to stand together and help affected households access temporary shelter and medical care as the government continues efforts to mobilise additional assistance.
“Residents should continue supporting those affected, particularly by helping them access shelter and medical services during this difficult period,” was his message to the community.
The fire, which reportedly broke out on October 23, 2026, destroyed tree plantations in Chilemba, Lali, Shikunga and Ibaba villages, leaving several households facing losses.
During his visit, Mr Kasekenya also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, urging communities not to leave affected families to cope with the consequences of the disaster alone.
Meanwhile, residents whose plantations were destroyed have appealed to the government to provide tree seedlings to enable them to re-establish their farms when the rainy season begins.
The appeal highlights the need for recovery support beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, particularly for households whose livelihoods depend on tree farming.
Providing seedlings would give affected residents an opportunity to restore their plantations and gradually recover from the losses caused by the fire.