TREES PLANTED ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

More than 3, 500 trees were planted at Metolong at Nazareth, where the activity was led by the Queen Mother, Queen 'Marnohato Seeiso and the deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kelebone Maope.

At Qacha's Nek, 300 trees were planted 200 trees were planted at Qacha's Nek Town, while I 00 were planted at Hilltop.

Speaking at the occasion in town, the District Secretary Mr. Tgeliso Lepheana urged the public to ensure protection of developmental activities under- taken in their villages, adding that they should also stop burning trees.

Mr. Lepheana urged livestock owners to respect reserved areas and stop grazing their animals where developments have been made. 

He said legal actions would be taken against those who continue to destroy devel- opments, adding that if no action is taken, there will be no progress at all.

He commended all those who took part in tree planting and added that despite any form of destruction, the development activities have to be done in order to protect the environment.

In an interview, the District Forestry Officer Mr. Khotso Makeka expressed concern over the manner in which forests are being destroyed in town.

He said of the 2000 trees, which were planted early this year, animals have destroyed more than half of them, while others have been uprooted.

Mr. Makeka said the trees are essential in prevention of soil and water erosion, provision of firewood and protection against strong winds, and therefore have to be cared for.

Some members of the community recommended that people in villages where developmental activities are under- taken should be forced to participate. They said this will forced to set principles for protection of such projects.

The National Independence Day is marked with various developmental activities throughout the country. Lesotho got independence from the British Government on October 04, 1966 and since then the day has been observed.