By Salome Gangire
Communities at Lumbe Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chekucheku in Neno District have hailed the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) for bringing into glory Ndiliswa Forest Reserve which was degraded by human activities.
Speaking in an interview, Mtuwanjovu Catchment Management Committee (CMC) member, John Vericio said since they started working in the forest reserve under the CS-EPWP, the forest is regaining its lost glory.
“This forest used to boast of indigenous trees and grass but was heavily degraded by human activities like cutting down of trees for charcoal production and firewood and bush fires as no one was taking responsibility,” Vericio said.
Vericio said before the programme was introduced, Ndiliswa Forest Reserve suffered from human activities, rendering the forest bare but now as they are working in the forest promoting natural regeneration, the forest looks promising.Another participant, Eness Chamasowa, who is also a CMC member said they are caring for the forest by making major and minor firebreaks, digging swales, pruning and cutting tall grasses in the forest.
Neno District Council Forest Officer, Eric Mbingwane said the district is grappling with illegal harvesting of trees by communities for charcoal production which is resulting into depletion of trees and forest reserves.
Mbingwane said the department has intensified patrols by the forest office and communities to ensure that there is no illegal cutting down of trees.
According to Neno District Desk Officer for CS-EPWP, Vincent Sambuka, there are 14,316 participants in the district participating in the 14 catchments areas in the third cycle.
