Greening Harare: A good idea that went wrong

authorities that the bulk of the city greenline was ageing and required urgent replacing.
The programme saw excavators hissing, puffing and systematically digging holes on parking bays along street pavements that were soon to have trees planted in them.
Had the saplings been protected and taken care of, they should have surely changed the face of Harare in a few years to come.
Those who love the city were beginning to speculate and ponder how Harare would retain its sunshine status and the avenues returning to the old status that was fast giving up to age.
But the trees were barely protected from the motorists that have been parking on the bays for years and today, the tarmac has remained scarred with open wounds but no trees.
A few of the trees that survived the wrath of the uncaring motorist remain to remind environmentalists of a noble idea that died a painful death, lack of education by the city fathers.
Residents who spoke to The Herald said next time the city goes on such a huge project there is need for the city fathers to make sure people understand the concept.
“That was a project that was never going to make sense as the motorists and pedestrians on the importance of planting new trees.
“There should not be an end to re-greening the city but that should be done with buy-in from the residents. Surely, we saw the trees being straddled by cars as motorists competed for parking space.
“At worst some of the trees were vandalised or uprooted by drunkards and street children who did not appreciate the city project,” said Shupikai Mareya of Warren Park 1.
Another resident said city fathers should never give up but continue on the good work to replace the ageing trees that are now a danger to people and property.
“In many cases we have heard and saw trees falling due to age. The city cannot wait until the trees disappear, but should move in to replace them and avert danger to the public.
“Surely, what emerged is that the project was not well planned. The trees must have been given maximum protection by the city council but they were left exposed.
“Instead, what we are left with are scarred parking bays, with no sign of trees. With the help of the corporate world, the city should just move in and replant trees in the open space this time with proper protection.
“The idea was good but it was poorly executed. The council rushed the project, without taking all precautionary measures and convincing motorists about the need to groom the trees for the good of the city.
“We have seen that in those areas that trees were protected the trees are doing well,” said a Forestry Commission official.
Had the trees been protected only three years down the line the city could have changed for the better?
Harare is well known for its jacaranda trees but those were planted years ago and are giving in to age and have caused a few accidents in the city.
Environmentalists said the city needs to intensify tree planting as way of curbing the effects of global warming.
They argue that the onset of the rainy season should help inspire corporates and the city to re-green city.
It could have been easy for the city had it co-opted corporates and owners of building into adopting trees in front of their properties and street to ensure maximum protection of the trees and flowers.
They gave example of Pennefather Avenue that was adopted by the Rainbow Towers and is one of the best kept streets in the capital.
The city authorities would use the National Tree Planting Day to encourage participation of the private sector in bringing back the green in the city.
On Saturday Zimbabwe celebrates the National Tree Planting Day amid growing eagerness to be involved in tree planting.
Analysts say in 2009 Harare with support of organisation such as Air Zimbabwe, Avis, Environment Africa, UNDP and the Forestry Company and the Environmental Management Agency pledged to plant two million trees by 2015.
The pledge has seen thousands of trees being planted at the International Forest in Belvedere but despite this Harare chose to go it alone resulting in the failure.
The city council’s idea was noble but not adequately planned and it lacked transparency to the community within the city and the nation as a whole.
Surely, the city should have involved the community, which includes corporates and a number of other stakeholders.
It was meaningless for shop owners to see people planting trees on their doorsteps without being consulted. If the business people can clean the pavements within their parameters what could stop them from looking after the plants as well?
The new plants amounted to nothing but obstruction to motorists who had not bought into the idea and saw the trees as an inconvenience that could only be respected when the council workers were present.
City of Harare spokesperson Mr Leslie Gwindi said the council would be participating in national tree planting this year, but was still not decided on how they will partake.
“It is our obligation as the city to replace the ageing trees but we need to sit down plan how we will undertake the exercise.
“Naturally we will be involved with the other stakeholders in commemorating the tree planting day,” he said.
Residents said the city should never had waited until the trees are old and dying but should have introduced new trees when old ones were still intact.
Tree planting has been done in many cities with success and has helped in beautifying places like Shanghai in China and Pretoria in South Africa.
In Shanghai, the streets are a marvel to walk and drive along as well combed trees and pot plants decorate the streets contrasting with the beautiful architecture.
The authorities in China took it upon themselves to plant the trees not only to beautify their city but also to counteract greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming which is linked to climate change.
The city has lost a millions of trees over the years as residents resorted to wood to cushion themselves against intermittent power outages and growing demand for fuel.