Blantyre Mayor defends axing of trees

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Mibawa Illovo trees

Blantyre Mayor Noel Chalamanda has backed the felling of trees in the city saying development comes at a cost.

Mibawa Illovo trees
Mibawa tree at Illovo offices in Limbe, Blantyre cut down.

People in the commercial city of Blantyre have been expressing worry that the city council is wantonly cutting off some trees, a development residents say will contribute negatively to climate change.

But the city’s Mayor Noel Chalamanda said people should not worry much because the council is not cutting the trees for the sake of cutting.

He said the council is axing the trees to give room for development activities hence there is nothing to worry having in mind that when something good is to happen, there are many challenges faced to hinder it.

Chalamanda further said they are still committed to the Beautify Malawi (Beam) trust’s initiative of keeping the country green.

“I can say we are not against the Beam initiative of keeping Malawi green. It’s not that we are cutting the trees merely, we are cutting the trees off on a place where we want to do something.

Noel Chalamanda
Chalamanda has defended tree cut.

“I also wanted to be clear on keeping the city green. It’s not that we said none of the trees will be cut off, no, it’s not like that. So people should stop blaming the city council for cutting down the trees, we are doing it purposively,” said Chalamanda.

The felling of trees in Limbe at Illovo roundabout has also led to people’s anger but the mayor said it was due to huge traffic which sees pedestrians failing to walk safely at the place.

He added that they are constructing a dual carriage and that’s why they have cut some trees. According to the mayor, they wanted to leave the trees but the roots of the trees had started destroying water pipes.