Tororo municipality launches environment campaign

Local authorities in Tororo municipality have launched an environmental restoration campaign by engaging communities in massive tree planting in town and Tororo rock.

The campaign dubbed keep Tororo municipality green was on Monday launched by the area MP  Yeri Apollo Ofwono after donating 10,000 tree seedlings which were planted within the streets and institutions like schools and health facilities
 
Speaking during the campaign launch at municipal council chambers attended by all the LCI Chairpersons, councilors and various stakeholders on Tuesday, Ofwono said the move is aimed at beautifying the town and restore the ecological system on the town's rock which has been depleted by surrounding communities.

‘'The purpose of this campaign is aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change which has had advanced effects to humanity. It's a matter of life and death because without proper tree cover, we shall not be having oxygen and rainfall and thus our survival pattern shall be affected'' Ofwono said.

He also said at the end of his political term they intend to plant over 30,000 tree seedlings in the municipality. He also distributed 2 tons of maize seeds received under operation wealth creation program.

The mayor John Opio said every household is expected to plant at least 10 seedlings every year in the backyard while warning that whoever will  be found  stealing these seedlings will be slapped with a fine of shs 500,000.

The resident district commissioner Martin Orochi appealed to the residents to put into consideration the upcoming developments by not planting trees in such gazeted areas like standard gauge railway and expansion of Tororo airfield.

Orochi appealed to the leaders to stop causing confusion in the district by talking a lot with fewer actions on the ground to benefit the people who voted them.  He said some leaders have also created problems for themselves by not being in touch with their constituents.

However the town clerk Akuma Muzamali said under the contract they entered with the finance ministry, they are going to ensure that trees are planted in all institutions and the LCI's should sustain the program.

‘'Am going to enter into agreement with all the head teachers and in charges of the health facilities to ensure that they manage and protect all the tree seedlings that we donate to them'' Akuma said