The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili and the Minister of Forestry and Land Reclamation, Mr. Ralechate 'Mokose will lead a tree planting activity to be undertaken at Mohlanapeng LEC Mission in Thaba-Tseka on Sunday.

The Chief Information Officer in the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation, Mr. Thuso Nkune said the initiative aims to encourage church members including children to engage tree planting in their homes and villages as a regular practice to expand activities whose aim is to combat soil erosion.

He said the intention is also to rehabilitate land, which has been affected by soil erosion, adding that trees are planted for different purposes such as fruits, firewood, conservation and wind breaking.

Mr. Nkune commented that trees will provide the church with numerous benefits, including a healthy aroma, shade as well as protection of the church building from strong winds.

In an interview, the District Forestry Coordinator in Thaba-Tseka, Mr. Mokete Pama said 55 fruit trees and 2 000 forestry trees will be planted at the church yard.

Mr. Pama said both Mr. Mosisili and Mr. 'Mokose will attend a prayer service prior to the tree planting activity.

Since 2005, the Prime Minister has visited over 14 different Church denominations in all the districts, and has planted over 5000 trees.

Source: LENA 13/03/2008