BULAWAYO minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, on Saturday urged locals to take interest in planting trees to combat the effects of climate change.
Ncube made the remarks at the National Tree Planting Day celebrations at Gampu Primary School in the city in a speech she read on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs, is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees,” Ncube said.
“As a city, we should strive to continue to be part of the effort to promote environmental goals and facilitate the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems along with fostering efforts to combat climate change, safeguard biodiversity, food security and water supply.”
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods.
In an unrelated matter, Ncube challenged Bulawayo residents to collectively find sustainable ways to tackle gender-based violence (GBV).
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“We need to put our heads together and fight the evil activities that have destroyed our nation, let us discover more of ourselves as people, and shun these kinds of practices for they have come to destroy our families, communities and the country as a whole,” said Ncube.
“We need to say no to GBV and preserve human life and the future of our children, especially the girl child. We need to be responsible citizens who shun such despicable practices and ensure that women and children are protected from all forms of abuse.”
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