Bulawayo fitness gym proprietor to care for recently planted trees

Written by Lewis Jones, ZDDT Field Correspondent Tuesday, 11 October 2011 14:59

BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE – Trees, planted outside a fitness establishment along S. Parirenyatwa Street, were recently assured of a new lease on life by the gym’s proprietor, Mrs. Gwen Karsten. The saplings were planted under ZDDT’s Local Authority Capacity Building Programme which received financial support from development partner GIZ, assisted by the German Government.

Cllr Manning (in white shirt) indicates one of the trees while Gwen Karstens and Bulawayo PDO, Bruce Mtengwa look on.

>> Read more about the tree planting excercise that ZDDT is driving forward.

Mrs. Karsten told the Trust’s representatives, who visited her business seeking her assistance, that she would assist by ensuring the trees received regular watering. Cllr.

Edward Manning of Ward 1, in whose neighbourhood the trees are located, has committed himself to persuading residents and business people along the street to emulate the gym operator’s example. The Councillor was invited to the event.

Responsibility for watering of the trees lies with the City of Bulawayo Parks Department.

However, due to a severe shortage of vehicles and equipment, the Local Authority is experiencing difficulty in maintaining a consistent irrigation schedule in the dry season.

The community spirit shown by Mrs. Karsten, Cllr. Manning and others in this instance, are indication of a commitment to the very principles the Trust is nurturing in residents and City Officials.