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Gen Zimondi said people should not cut down trees unnecessarily.
“Do not wait for the first Saturday of December to plant trees; trees should be planted everyday as this will serve generations to come,” Gen Zimondi said.
The National Tree Planting Day is held on the first Saturday of December annually.
Gen Zimondi said ZPS was committed to planting trees throughout the country’s prisons as part of its rehabilitation programme.
The ZPS will use the trees for curing tobacco that is grown at the prison’s farm and ease power shortages being faced by inmates.
“Chikurubi Farm Prison is set to have to an irrigation scheme soon. The area has been properly chosen since a water source is nearby and will be used for irrigation,” said Gen Zimondi
The irrigation programme will help end food shortages faced by inmates.
Forestry Commission chairman Mr Daniel Mandishona lamented the high rate of deforestation and the decrease of local tree species.
“Studies have estimated the rate of deforestation in Zimbabwe to be around 300 000 hectares per annum,” said Mr Mandishona.
He encouraged ZPS to continue working with his organisation to get proper advice on the management of the planted trees.
Nyaradzo Funeral Services general manager Mr Webster Chikengezha said most of the coffins were made of wood so it was the company’s responsibility to replace trees.
“We use wood when burying the dead and if we do not plant trees, whose wood will be used for my coffins?” said Mr Chikengezha.
Nyaradzo Funeral Services has planted 12 400 trees countrywide and the company has a policy where they give the bereaved families trees to plant after burying a relative.
This is done to foster the culture of planting trees.
A total of 2 300 trees were planted at Chikurubi Farm by the dignitaries and inmates who attended the National Tree Planting Day.
Online Reporter