MDC leader Nelson Chamisa today planted the ‘New Zimbabwe Democracy tree’ in Norton in a project he said will continue every 1st of December until Zimbabwe becomes a green country.

This is part of the MDC’s national Smart Councils Environment Day.

Chamisa said in a statement: “Today I’m in Norton to plant the ‘New Zimbabwe Democracy tree’. We aim to plant 2m trees annually every December until 2026 and beyond. All our cities, towns, villages and communities must be climate smart making Zimbabwe a wholly GREEN country by 2026.”

MDC Secretary for Local Government and Devolution Sesel Zvidzai said, “Starting today till next week, all MDC run councils will be planting trees as well as encouraging citizens to plant a tree in their environments to ensure the protection and conservation of our country’s environment, be it wet lands, forests, water bodies and everything pertaining to greening and sustainability agenda, as well as raise awareness on the importance to take care of our environments.

“The MDC has adopted the 1st of December which is the National Tree Planting day, as its National Smart Councils Environment Day to motivate the people across the country to plant and conserve trees; to take the initiative and enlighten people and the nation on the importance of forests and woodland resources, and enhance household food security.”

The MDC Local government strategy is enunciated through the Party’s Smart PRIDES Agenda, which stands for Participation, Reform, Innovation/Integrity, development/devolution, Environment and Services, to ensure Local Authorities deliver sustainable, quality service to residents in all MDC run councils.