DODOMA: A total of 16 million trees have been planted in Dodoma City since 2017 as part of the Regreening the Capital City programme, implemented by local government authorities in collaboration with various stakeholders.
Launching the Mti Pesa Programme at Mtumba Primary School in Mtumba Ward, Dodoma yesterday, Dodoma Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Kaspar Mmuya, who represented Regional Commissioner Ms Rosemary Senyamule, said the initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive that requires each district council to plant no fewer than 1,500,000 trees yearly.
As part of the directive, he noted, each school in the Dodoma Region is expected to plant at least 500 fruit trees.
However, the initiative has attracted more stakeholders as Tanzania Women in Finance Association (TAWiFA) launched the initiative at Mtumba which saw the NGO donating 2,000 trees to primary schools.
Mr Mmuya added that Dodoma’s eight district councils have each allocated not less than 10m/- for tree planting and environmental conservation, with plans to increase the funding annually to ensure the success of the programme.
“I appreciate TAWiFA for stepping in to support this initiative. For us, it’s not just about planting trees — we are committed to ensuring that the planted species survive and serve their intended purpose. I therefore direct the school board and head teachers to ensure that all 500 trees planted at Mtumba Primary School survive,” said the RAS.
On her part, TAWiFA President Ms Fikira Ntomola said the organization has launched the Mti Pesa green campaign in Dodoma to support climate resilience in the country’s central zone, which frequently experiences extended dry spells.
“We decided to launch this programme here in Dodoma because we want to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that planting trees not only protects the environment but also contributes to economic development,” she said.
Ms Ntomola added that the project will be implemented in five schools, aiming to instill environmental responsibility, discipline, and a mindset of self-reliance among pupils.
Mtumba Primary School head teacher, Mr. Kepha Kitutu, emphasized the importance of the project, both as an environmental protection measure and a future income-generating activity to improve academic facilities at the school, which is located on the outskirts of the city.
He assured the RAS that the school will comply with the directive and ensure that all 500 trees are nurtured to maturity.
TAWiFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing career opportunities for women, offering professional development, and promoting women’s interests in the insurance and financial services sectors. It also focuses on providing education, support, and networking opportunities to women in underrepresented professions.
