PostBank has launched a tree planting exercise in Machakos County as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
Machakos Postbank Manager Mark Wagalwa speaking on behalf of the bank’s Managing Director during the launch at the Masii Vocational Training Centre said the bank was committed to supporting the government’s agenda to have 10 per cent forest cover by 2022.
“Environmental conservation is one of our key CSR values and we are committed to increase our country’s forest cover,” Wagalwa said.
The bank manager reiterated the need to conserve the environment and mitigate climate change that has led to extreme weather conditions including flash floods and unprecedented prolonged droughts.
“The unusual floods have led to disruption of lives, destruction of property and infrastructure. Similarly, the droughts have led to loss of lives while others have been displaced,” he noted.
Wagalwa called for concerted efforts to preserve the country’s natural resources and expressed concern that the Covid-19 pandemic may lead to deforestation and associated bio diversity loss due to decreased households’ incomes.
“People in rural areas who are mostly affected might turn to forests for subsistence. Businesses seeking incomes in these times of duress will more likely put pressure on our forests through charcoal production and conversion of forest land for agricultural use which might result in over harvesting of the natural resources,” added the bank manager.
He therefore said it was imperative for members of the public to plant and nurture trees to conserve the environment.
Speaking separately to KNA, the head of marketing at the bank’s Machakos Branch Stephen Musyoki said the tree planting exercise will see the bank partner with more than 43 vocational training centres in the county.
“We shall collaborate with the centres for the greening project. As a bank we shall provide tree seedlings while the institutions will nurture them,” Musyoki said.
During the launch the bank provided 3,800 seedlings worth Sh80, 000.
Speaking at the same event, Machakos Deputy Governor, Francis Maliti, disclosed that the county government will pool resources with other partners to ensure that all schools in the county have planted trees.
Maliti noted that deforestation had led to climate change and said the county had put in place proper strategies to distribute seedlings.
“Climate change is very real and if we don’t protect the environment we shall perish,” the deputy governor said.
He also announced plans by the county government to empower vocational centres in the county through establishment of workshops.
“For learners to get the requisite hands-on skills we shall built workshops and equip them,” said Maliti.
By Roselyne Kavoo
