498 Trees Planted in NBR

Thursday, July 24, 2008

The Regional Youth Committee in North Bank Region, in collaboration with Concern Universal, last Saturday planted 498 trees in three communities in the North Bank Region.

The Villages that carried out the exercise were Kerr Ardo, Kerr Katim Wolof  and Maka Farafenni. In each of the villages 166 trees were planted.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Polo Joof, Regional Youth chairperson in North Bank, said the reason for targeting these communities in Lower Badibu is based on statistical data which indicated that Badibu has smallest number of trees growing in the country. This, according to him, has a negative impact on the rainfall in the area.

He pointed out that plans are underway to create woods in the area and also to plant more fruit trees. He that this will go a long way towards reducing hunger as well as provide  firewood for the women folk of the area.

Mr Joof also thanked Concern Universal for their support of the tree planting exercise.

For his part, the permanent secretary Department of State for Youth and Sport, Mamanyick Njie, commended the regional youth committee for taking up such a laudable initative within a short time and Concern Universal for their support.

PS Njie has also urged the citizens of the Greater Banjul Area and youths to assist the elderly on the farms and also to put in place structures in the villages.

He has called on the regional youth committee to come up with a strategic development plan for the region which they can sell to area councils and other donors for funding.

Author: By Pa Modou Faal