Go Green National Coordinator Lawrence Kafere has dared stakeholders to improve.

Kafere spoke Wednesday in Chileka Blantyre on the sidelines of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) tree planting exercise.

“It is a disaster, it is pathetic, especially here where we are implementing this pilot project, charcoal comes from here and it is quite bad you can walk good meters without seeing a tree.

“Government and the private sectors are planting trees but taking care of them is a problem, giving feedback on survival rate is an issue.” Said Kafere.

The Go Green Initiative National Coordinator was however quick to say efforts are being made to restore the depleted natural resources

“We work on voluntary basis in carrying out climate change activities. We have managed to source a partner who has donated 2,000 trees which will be planted in surrounding villages with the locals, we will do the same down at Chigumukire primary schools besides pupils here (Kachanga Primary School) will take home some seedlings.

“Trees play a pivotal role. These trees it will contribute a lot, good air we breathe” said Kafere.

Member of Parliament for Blantyre West Constituency Isaac Kaneka shared Kafere’s concerns on environmental degradation.

“Charcoal burning is an issue of concern here. We are working with various stakeholders in restoring the depleted forests,” said Kaneka.

He underscored the need to replace charcoal burning with other income generating activities.

The Blantyre West Constituency legislator further implored on parents and students around the schools where the trees have been planted to take care of the trees.

ESCOM Senior Administration and Logistics Manager Emmilius Kandapo told Zodiak online ESCOM values the role trees play in the company’s operations.

“There is a link between trees and ESCOM, trees cover our network.

“Environmental degradation affects power generation. We focus on distributing power that is generated by Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO). Power generation is affected by climate change for example debris has been an issue of concern.” Said Kandapo.

He called for concerted efforts in restoring the depleted environment.

According to Kandapo, ESCOM is implementing such initiatives in line with the 2016 Climate Change Management Policy.

They target 90 percent survival rate of the 7,000 tree seedlings that have been distributed.

He said 1,000 trees will be planted in offices and sub-stations.