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Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo say they are committed to protecting the environment by bringing to book those who violate the environment.
This was said yesterday by Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province Commissioner Patton Mbangwa during a belated National Tree Planting Day commemorations and Environmental Support Awards handover ceremony held at ZRP Rose Camp.
The National Tree Planting Day falls on the first day of each Saturday, and this year’s tree planting day ran under the theme “Keep the Environment Green, Combat Climate Change.”
Also present at the environment awards done by Isandla Esihle/ Ruoko Rwakanaka Trust presentation was Officer Commanding administration Bulawayo Province, Assistant Commissioner Dorcas Matshilana.
Commissioner Mbangwa said they have made strides in trying to protect the environment.
“The organisation has made gigantic strides in advocating for the rights of the voiceless, our mother nature. It has been keen in seeing the conservation of natural resources, protection of fauna and flora and assisting the police to account for those who violate the rights of nature,” said commissioner Mbangwa.
“It is therefore worthwhile today, that Isandla Esihle, Ruwoko Rwakanaka have extended its hand in commemorating the National Tree Planting Day 2021, awarding companies and individuals with outstanding efforts in keeping the green world alive in their surroundings and spheres of influence by donating indigenous and exotic orchard trees to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo.”
Commissioner Mbangwa, who planted a tree, said trees were important to the environment.
“We receive and accept the donation with gladness and shall endeavour to nurture them to our best ability. It is appreciated that one day we shall come rejoicing as we will harvest from this donation. The move by Isandla Esihle/Ruoko Rwakanaka is commendable,” said Commissioner Mbangwa.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we call upon other stakeholders to support such initiatives and play a positive part in the efforts to reverse and contain the effects of global warming and climate change.”
Commissioner Mbangwa said companies and individuals who received awards for their outstanding and sterling efforts in protecting the environment must not go unnoticed.
“These awards will go a long way in encouraging others who have been slow and reluctant to actively participate in environmental protection affirmative action. Those who have received the awards, we say well done and Congratulations, Amhlophe, Makorokoto. Continue the good work and encourage others to understand the need to maintain a clean, green and safe environment,” said Mbangwa.
The individuals and companies who won awards are Tonderai Shoko of Keep Bulawayo Clean Campaign, Khabelo Sibanda, Fanuel Macherechedze, Mike Kaseke representing Trek Service Stations in Bulawayo, Washington Kono of Gospel of God church International, Holiday Inn, Nyaradzo Funeral Services and the Bulawayo City Council.
Mr Shoko said it felt great being embraced and appreciated for his work in conserving the environment.
“I’m actually happy that it’ll encourage individuals, corporates, churches and the like to take a lead in the environment because there is recognition. It something that people should be proud of because they are doing conservation,” said Mr Shoko.
He encouraged Zimbabweans to plant trees not only during tree planting commemorations, but anytime.
“Tree planting is necessary. We don’t speak about it every time, but we are the ones who use the trees by chopping them into firewood. We don’t replant them. We should be in the habit of planting trees on occasions like our birthdays, anniversaries and even at funerals,” said Mr Shoko.
Vegetation conservationist and director of Isandla Esihle/ Ruoko Rwakanaka Trust and Zimbabwe National Tree Ambassador Mr Never Bonde said they had been monitoring the companies and individuals for the past two years.
“We looked at how these companies have been looking after their environments and some of them came up tops. If we mention those who have been awarded the certificates there’ll be no doubt with their prowess. We have been monitoring these companies for the past two years,” said Mr Bonde.
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