PM LAUNCHES MINISTERIAL TREE-PLANTING PROGRAMME

The Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili has launched the ministerial tree-planting programme by planting poplar trees at Makoanyane Barracks, in Maseru, on Wednesday. 

Over 1000 trees were planted during this initiative which is intended to be exemplary to other  government ministries.

Speaking at the official launching, Mr. Mosisili said land degradation is a serious problem facing the country. He said if each ministry could spare two hours everyday for planting trees, the country could change its scenery.

He suggested that people should seek advice from the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation, which was formed with the objective of carrying out tree planting activities, donga rehabilitation in order to reclaim soil so as to preserve natural plants and creatures.

"The Ministry will provide trees and ours is only to devote our efforts in planting trees, we need no donations to do that or look beyond our borders for help as God has given us necessary tools to carryout the task," he added.

The Prime Minister said the nation has to stand up now to put Lesotho back to its original state so that the coming generation would find it in a good condition not the current degraded state. He added that other challenges facing the country include pollution and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Also present at the occasion were the Ministers of Home Affairs and Public Safety Mr Motsoahae Thabane, Forestry and Land Reclamation Mr. Ralechate 'Mokose and LDF army senior and junior officers.

19 February 2004