100 trees planted in Nellmapius – residents taught to care of them
Nellmapius residents were also taught how to plant trees as well as how to take care of them.
A total of 100 fruits and shade trees were donated to residents of Nellmapius extension 22 on Friday.
This generous donation was made by the JNF Walter Sisulu environmental centre and the Department of Agriculture as part of celebrating Arbor Day.
“The residents were also taught how to plant trees as well as how to take care of them,” said Miko Khalo of the JNF Walter Sisulu environmental centre.
“This is part of our Mamelodi Greening project in which we encourage residents to take care of their environment.”
This project has been in existence since 2004.
“It is an annual event where we plant as many trees as we can.
“Trees play an important role in our lives. We get oxygen, food and shade from trees, and they also beautify our environment,” said Khalo.
She said they held talks with Nellmapius residents and those who were interested in having trees had their names registered and they were given coupons to get two trees for each household.
Resident Moses Ramonyai was excited to receive two trees.
“I love agriculture and would want to encourage residents to start food gardening at the back of their yards,” he said.
Ramonyai also helped other residents with planting and promised to help monitor these new trees.
Agriculture department spokesperson Allan Maoto said it donated 55 fruit trees to the environmental centre.
“The department’s main goal is to see every household have at least one tree because trees give us oxygen.
“This is an ongoing partnership with the centre and we offer various services,” Maoto said.
“We have been involved in the Adopt-a-spot environmental awareness campaign in which we encourage the public to identify illegal dumping sites and turn them into community parks.”
Khalo added she was excited to see the greening project continue after a two-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is nothing that will stop the project now and moving forward with our aim of greening the whole of Mamelodi and Nellmapius.”
The handover ceremony was held at the Phadimo ya Thuto pre-school.
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