KING LEADS PUBLIC IN TREE PLANTING

King Letsie III and Queen 'Masenate led the public in national celebration to mark    this year's Independence Day at Ha Sekoati in Mohale's Hoek, where 20, 000 forest trees were planted.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                  

His Majesty King LetsieIII planting a tree at the celebration to mark this year's Independence Day at Ha Sekoati (pic. L.Mphafi)                    

In an interview, the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili said this year's independence activities are intended to develop the country through land reclamation activities such as tree planting on observation that the country is faced with the problem of desertification. He therefore appealed to chiefs and members of the community to protect the trees that have been planted and ensure that they are not destroyed since the public will benefit from them. Mr. Mosisili also urged the community to fully participate in activities that develop their country in order to show that this country is independent.

The Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili also participated by planting a tree at the same occasion.  (pic. L.Mphafi)  

The Minister of Agriculture, Cooperatives and Land Reclamation, Mr. Vova Bulane encouraged the community to continue to plant more trees and not wait for occasions of this nature, so that they could have wood, prevent soil erosion and storm disasters.
He observed that it is through involvement of the public in these activities that afforestration could return, adding that proper independence is attained when people have sufficient food and have developed their country.

The Manager of Bright Light Company that produces match light sticks in the country, Mr. Mashali Mafatlane said his company uses poplar trees found in the country to produce match lights and as a result urged the communities to embark in high production of such trees, so that they could sell to the company.

A resident of Ha Sekoati, Mrs. 'Malimakatso Litsesane expressed satisfaction that the government decided to bring development in their area, adding that the area has been affected by soil erosion. Present at the occasion included cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic mission, members of Parliament and senior government officials, public servants and the public. The Independence Day is marked every year on October 04 after the country got independence from Britain in 1966.

04 October, 2002