Recent heat wave has not deterred Bulawayo's green-conscious ward three residents

Written by Lewis Jones, ZDDT Field Correspondent Tuesday, 22 November 2011 14:57

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe - A heat-wave that recently hit the City of Bulawayo has been the cause of considerable discomfort in various sectors.

Not so, it seems, in Ward 3 where residents have kept a keen watch over trees they planted during the Trust’s Local Authority Capacity Building Programme.

The incumbent, Cllr. M K Moyo, recently arranged for ZDDT’s Field Correspondent (LJ) to meet with C.A.T Chairman, Patrick Mlauzi (PM), in order to assess efforts being conducted to preserve the trees.

Below may be found the interview that ensued.

LJ It has been unusually hot of late and according to reports, the heat has caused wilting in crops and recently planted vegetation. How have the trees, that residents recently planted, fared?

PM Yes, the harsh heat has caused concern about the survival of our trees but, with the Councillors guidance, residents have been fairly regularly watering the trees, particularly at this time.

LJ You have an arrangement in which the City Council is supposed to ensure that these trees get consistent watering. Why is it that residents are now conducting such duties?

PM The Local Authority has indicated that they are unable to honour their part of the arrangement. This is largely as a result of the financial constraints it is experiencing, as well as a serious shortage of vehicles and equipment needed for such an exercise. You need to remember that they are required to provide the service in all Wards where trees have been planted. Bearing this in mind, the Ward leadership has decided to  ssist by mobilising inhabitants to take the initiative into their own
hands.

LJ How have you been able to persuade residents into participating?

PM Without wishing to speak on behalf of other Wards, I feel entitled to say, that residents, in this neighbourhood, take pride in maintaining a safe and aesthetic environment. Care for the trees is just a part of this. Local inhabitants are extremely proud and protective of their trees. Getting volunteers, to carry out the required work has not been a particularly difficult task. However, a major challenge has been maintaining a regular schedule for watering. This activity is in addition to other commitments that people have. Yet I am pleased to say that it has worked reasonably well so far.

LJ By what means do you conduct the operation? I mean the watering?

PM That too is an awesome challenge. Sometimes we are able to persuade a local person to lend us his or her vehicle, to ferry water from the nearby Mguza River, to the site where we have our trees. In most cases however, we have to rely on wheel barrows and push carts for draft power.

LJ Have you lost any trees?

PM Yes. There have been a few that were lost, though this has been mainly due to vandalism. There were also times when people from neighbouring plots drove their cattle through the site, but this has since ceased. You may witness, for yourself, how several of the damaged trees are producing new shoots. This is encouraging and provides an incentive for those interested in caring for them.

LJ Where does ZDDT fit into all this?

PM ZDDT initiated this project in partnership with residents. The Organisation provided necessary skills training, materials, equipment and inputs. Although this has now become a community driven initiative, we still remain appreciative of the contributions that the Trust has made, besides the moral support that they continue to give.

It is indeed, gratifying to note, that even after local communities were weaned away from material dependence on the Trust, many, from a social, moral and physical perspective, remain committed to rebuilding their neighbourhoods. These are citizens who take charge over their circumstances and work for the establishment of better living conditions for all.