Regreening Dodoma City gathers pace as 16 million trees planted

DODOMA: OVER 16 million trees have been planted in Dodoma City since 2017, as part of the ongoing regreening the Capital City programme led by local government authorities in collaboration with various stakeholders.

This was revealed during the launch of the ‘Mti Pesa’ initiative at Mtumba Primary School in Mtumba Ward, Dodoma.

The event was officiated by Dodoma Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Kaspar Mmuya, who represented the Regional Commissioner, Ms Rosemary Senyamule.

Mr Mmuya said the initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive, which requires each district council across the country to plant no fewer than 1.5 million trees annually.

As part of that directive, every school in the Dodoma Region is expected to plant at least 500 fruit trees.

The initiative has gained momentum with increasing stakeholder participation.

Notably, the Tanzania Women in Finance Association (TAWiFA) launched its contribution to the programme at Mtumba by donating 2,000 fruit tree seedlings to primary schools in the area.

Mr Mmuya noted that all eight district councils in Dodoma have allocated no less than 10m/- each toward tree planting and environmental conservation.

He added that the budget is expected to increase annually to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

“I commend TAWiFA for joining this important mission. For us, it’s not just about planting trees we are committed to ensuring their survival and long-term impact. I therefore, urge the school board and head teachers to ensure that all 500 trees planted at Mtumba Primary School are nurtured to maturity,” he said.

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TAWiFA President, Ms Fikira Ntomola said the ‘Mti Pesa’ green campaign is part of efforts to support climate resilience in the central zone, which often experiences prolonged dry spells.

“We chose Dodoma for this launch because we want to demonstrate that tree planting not only protects the environment but also drives economic development,” she said.

Ms Ntomola added that the campaign will initially be implemented in five schools, aiming to foster environmental awareness, discipline and a sense of selfreliance among students.

Mtumba Primary School head teacher, Mr Kepha Kitutu, welcomed the initiative, underscoring its dual purpose as both an environmental conservation measure and a potential income-generating project to enhance school facilities.

He assured the RAS that the school is committed to the directive and will ensure all 500 trees are well cared for and reach maturity.

TAWiFA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing career opportunities for women in the insurance and financial sectors.

It offers professional development, promotes women’s interests and supports education, mentorship and networking, especially for women in underrepresented professions.