ADDIS ABABA – Chief administrators of Somali and Sidama states have vowed to nurture saplings planted as part of the Green Legacy Initiative.
Speaking at today’s record-breaking planting campaign in Jigjiga, Somali Regional State Chief Administrator Mustefee Mohammed said we will continue to take care of the saplings until they grow up as this is a matter of survival.
Among the trees planted today are tree seedlings suitable for the local ecology, drought-resistant and with economic values as well as trees used for shade and beauty, the chief administrator added.
According to him, the only way that we can cope with the changing environment is by protecting our ecology.
Federal and regional officials, including Water and Energy Minister Engineer Habtamu Itefa have taken part in the campaign.
The minister said the green development works carried out in the past years have enabled disappearing water bodies to return.
A good example of this is the fact that the El Behai Dam, which was empty, has now been filled with water again, he noted.
In Sidama Regional State, different sections of the society, including the youth in the regional capital Hawassa, are participating in the planting that is taking place on the shores of Lake Hawassa.
On the occasion, Sidama Region Chief Administrator Desta Ledamo said planting saplings is necessary to sustain lives.
“The trees we planted are sources of air, food, and shelter,” he noted, adding that “planting saplings therefore means sustaining life. So, we vow to continue strengthening the Green Legacy Initiative.”
The chief administrator called on inhabitants of the region to strengthen their participation in the planting of saplings as the activities we have started with the initiative will yield economic benefits.
SOURCE: AGENCY
