Old Mutual for re-afforestation, to plant 10,000 trees countrywide

Old Mutual Malawi Limited is scheduled to plant 10, 000 trees across the country during this year’s tree planting season to help in mitigating the impact of climate change.

The revelation comes barely weeks after President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera launched the national wide tree planting exercise under the theme: “Forest Innovation in Action: Reforestation for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.

Speaking after planting 2,000 trees in partnership with Blantyre Water Board (BWB) at Mudi catchment area, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Managing Director Roy Punungwe said the company has not been spared with the effect of climate change hence joining forces with the government.

“Old Mutual this year is committed to planting 10, 000 trees in Malawi in partnership with various stakeholders.

“This is part of our sustainability drive, focusing on environmental responsibility, preserving natural resources and combating climate change. As an organization, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond the financial protection of our customer, but also to the communities we serve and the ecosystem we inhabit,” said Punungwe.

On his part BWB Water Quality and Environmental Manager Joe Chimeta hailed Old Mutual for taking part in ensuring that the environment is conserved.

He then hinted the re-afforestation exercise taking place every year at the catchment area has improved the quality of water for the people in the city and surrounding areas.

“The re-afforestation exercise has seen an improvement in water quality in the dam and siltation that was there in the past is improving to the extent that we are using less chemicals to treat the water,” said Chimeta.

Meanwhile, Old Mutual next week is scheduled to invade Michiru Mountain Forest Reserve with the tree planting exercise.