KIBAHA, COAST: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Isdor Mpango has asked the communities to support government’s efforts in protecting environment through planting more trees and preserving sources of water.
He said the communities have a key role to play in ensuring protection of nature and minimise effects of climate change in the country.
Dr Mpango made the remarks in his speech presented on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s office (Union and Environment) Mr Khamis Hamza Khamis at Mkuza Girls Secondary School which is owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) during a brief ceremony to mark Vice-President’s birthday recently.
“The effects of climate changes are obvious. The government is doing everything in its powers to make sure our environment is well protected, in so doing, the government is now campaigning for clean cooking energy, minimising the uses of charcoal and firewood for cooking and investing in alternative sources of energy,” he noted.
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He further noted that the communities need to teach and guide young people on the importance of planting trees and protecting environment for future generation.
“We need to build the generation that values nature and understands the importance of protecting environment,” he urged.
Moreover, he reminded public institutions like schools to stop using charcoal and firewood in cooking and instead use clean cooking energy to protect environment.
For his part, Assistant Bishop (Dean) of the ELCT (Eastern and Coastal Diocese) Chedieli Lwiza said that the Church has been in the forefront to support the government in various development activities including environment issues, adding that it will continue to maintain the good relationship.
Ms Mercy Nkya, the Headmistress for Mkuza Girls’ Secondary School, thanked the government for valuing girls and supporting their efforts in attaining quality education for their future.
The event was attended by students and teachers from Kibaha Town and nearby areas, church leaders and Kibaha residents.