A few years ago, the Dar es Salaam RC Lt. Yusuf Makamba initiated a tree planting campaign in the City. But a few weeks back, TANESCO indiscriminately felled down the trees ‘to protect’ its power lines. Do you think TANESCO’s move was in line with the national interest?

NO. I think the move was not only unfair but very unfair. The original German-drawn design concept of the City is an evergreen garden city and the RC’s move, in fact, was aimed at making this dream a reality. It is very embarrassing to note that the streets of the City, e.g. Garden Avenue and Samora Avenue, just to mention a few, turned into a canopy of cool passages following Makamba’s efforts, have now been turned into a desert. I am convinced to say that TANESCO is not concerned about environmental protection.
Diana Julius – Environmentalist.

NO. What was done by TANESCO was unfair. It is reported in the media that the trees that were indiscriminately felled were valued at about Tsh. 500 million which is a big loss and wastage of resources for a developing country like Tanzania. I would just like to ask the power utility firm if they are going to refund the amount. The authorities concerned should also ensure that such wastes are halted. To play it fair, the power utility firm would have stopped the exercise of planting the trees beforehand.
Asadi Hamed – Businessman.

NO. The move by the power utility firm was not fair considering the national interests. Apart from upsetting the bio-diversity, I see no reason for cutting down trees which provide us with shade from the scotching sun and attract rainfall. Let us ask ourselves one question: Why are trees spared at Ikulu grounds, Karimjee grounds and elsewhere? Do these places look less attractive with the trees? Why did the power utility company not just trim the branches that posed a danger to the power lines instead of cutting the trees down?
Bernadeta Justin – Extension Officer.

YES. I think TANESCO had every reason to cut down the trees to avert impending accidents and power cuts in case branches of trees fell on the power lines. I think it is more embarrassing if a tree falls on a power line and power is interrupted, halting office work, water pumping systems, the use of home appliances or hospital activities. In my opinion, I think, there is a clause in the laws and regulations that govern the protection of power lines by all means.
Gabriel A. Gamaliel – Student.


Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.