Tree planting along the entrance of Banjul intl. airport.

 

Wood dealers want ornamental look for airport highway

Africa » Gambia

The chairman of the Association of Wood Re-exporters and Forest Users in The Gambia has disclosed that his Association has transplanted 1500 Lonely Pop trees locally called ‘Gumpo’ along the airport highway from the main junction to the terminal building, aimed at ornament ally beautifying that road as the first point of entry to the country.

Lamin Barrow made this disclosure over the weekend during an interview with the Daily Observer. He said the Association was formed two ye ars ago to help its members and also complement government’s effort in promoting afforestation. “We did the planting voluntarily to contribute our own quota in national development. We planted them in 2010 and today we gathered here to provide them protection and safety against intruders for their sustainability,” he added.   

He explained that they have employed a caretaker who will be overseeing the trees and will be monitored by their secretary general. Barrow also urged his members to be law abiding and respond quickly to calls of national development. “It is through hard work and participation in national development ventures of this nature that, our efforts can be recognised. I want to use this medium to also elucidate that our Association is not only a profit-making entity but also a contributor to the efforts of government,” he stated.

Also speaking to this reporter, Sambou Nget, senior forestry officer at the Department of Forestry, spoke on the importance of the project. According to him, the work exercise will not only provide security for the planted seedlings but will serve as an addendum in improving on their sustainability.

“We all know the importance of trees in our environment. Having these trees also means reducing carbon from our environment and also contributing to the fight of global warming. At Forestry our mandate is to protect trees in the forest and grow more to increase the forest cover,” he said. 

He called on people to be planting trees all the times, noting that it is not enough to plant but also take care of them. Nget also commended the members of the Association for their large turnout to participate in the exercise.His words: “I was so much encouraged and enthusiastic when I saw the participants who are mostly young people. The fact that old people cannot do it your massive turn out here is encouraging and I want to urge you to continue.”

Author: by Dawda bayo