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encourage the police force and members of the public to plant indigenous trees across the country.
Commissioner General Chihuri demonstrated how to plant the Bolusanthus speciosus tree commonly known as the Tree Wisteria and known as umpaca in Isindebele or mupaka/mukweshangoma in Shona, during a belated Tree Planting Day at the Police Depot.
He led recruits at the Depot in planting more than 600 trees, including the Cassia, Bush Croton, Mopane, Acacia Carroo, Bird Plum and the Berchemia Discolor trees.
The Forestry Commission provided some of the trees.
Comm Gen Chihuri said it is important for Police Depots in all parts of the country and members of the public to plant trees, especially indigenous ones.
“We have been doing this tree planting programme in all the depots for the past three years and it is progressing well. Trees are important in our lives, as human beings and people should always plant trees and replace those that are cut or died naturally,” said Comm Gen Chihuri.
“The tree planting project has helped to beautify our depots, bring soil together and work as wind breaks. We will continue to plant trees to maintain our environment and I would like to encourage people to plant more indigenous trees than exotic ones.”
Comm Gen Chihuri, however, lamented the shortage of water at the Ntabazinduna Depot, saying it was hampering the success of the project.
“We need more than four boreholes at this Depot because these trees need water to be maintained. There are two boreholes and we need two electric and two manual boreholes because of the erratic electricity supply.
“Termites have also seriously attacked our trees, but we have since resorted to applying tobacco dust and bones to get rid of the termites,” he said.
Commandant Depot, Senior Assistant Commissioner Grace Ndebele commended Comm Gen Chihuri for initiating the project at Ntabazinduna Depot, saying it had face-lifted the institution’s scenery.
“I am delighted with the support that the Commissioner General of Police continues to render to us in all our programmes. The support goes beyond imagination and has given us determination to strive for excellence and achieve our goals.
“More importantly, the planting of trees at this Training Depot is the brainchild of the Commissioner General, who initiated the project in October 2009 by planting a record 141 trees, hence kick starting a massive tree planting project,” said Asst Comm Ndebele.
She said the benefits of the project go beyond the concept of only beautifying places.
“Geographically, maintenance of trees ensures a favourable ecosystem that supports and sustains life on earth, while scientifically trees represent a vast reservoir of genetic resources and biodiversity. Additionally they attract the much sought after rains. This area, which falls under Region Five, is naturally dry and as a result, natural growth of trees is low. This region therefore stands to benefit a lot from this important project.”
Forestry Commission coordinator for Bulawayo, Umguza and Tsholotsho, Mr Charles Mashingaidze said the commission was incorporating different organisations in its tree planting programmes.
“We are working closely with the police, prison and the army in making sure that they plant a lot of trees because they consume a lot of firewood in their canteens. We are planning to also work with schools, churches and other institutions in this project,” said Mr Mashingaidze.
Tree planting is a permanent and annual undertaking internationally and in Zimbabwe it is launched by President Mugabe on the first Saturday of December of every year.
Online Reporter