NGORORERO – At least 12,400 trees were planted in Gishwati forest in Ngororero District as part of the ongoing national tree planting drive.

The exercise organised this week by the police with the help of the military attracted hundreds of residents in Muhanda Sector. It covered eight hectares.

Each District Police Unit (DPU) is supposed to plant at least 10 hectares, by the end of the year.

Chief Supt. Gilbert Rwampungu Gumira, the Western Province regional Police Commander asked residents to protect the trees and promote environmental protection activities.

"These trees are everyone’s responsibility and will benefit us in future if we take good care of them,” Gumira said.

Ngororero residents committed to take care of the trees and protect the environment as one of the development aspects in the community.

"Gishwati forest was one of the highly depleted forests due to human activity. It is our responsibility to revive the forest and this activity will enable us have a good environment for agriculture and other activities in future,” a resident, Jean Damascene Gasirabo, said.

Ngororero Mayor, Gedeon Ruboneza, hailed the police for its contribution and asked residents to emulate the example in their respective communities.

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