DURBAN - eThekwini Municipality has welcomed a memorial tree-planting initiative by a Pinetown resident, who is dedicated to motivating the city to continue the programme.
Doctor Michael G Leech recommended that people consider planting memorial trees in memory of their loved ones.
Leech's idea stems from the need of the country and the city to strive to reach their carbon sequestration goals and reduce temperature and noise levels.
Leech said the municipality at present did not have a tree-planting programme, only a tree maintenance programme.
“Nor do they have a memorial tree-planting policy at present, but I have addressed this through the city manager.
“I have taken up the challenge and planted trees in memory of loved ones lost due to the pandemic and other reasons with council permission.”
Leech said he hoped a memorial tree-planting policy, which would give all residents an opportunity to plant a tree in memory of all those lost, would be approved.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the city, through the Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department, undertakes tree-planting activities.
“On the memorial tree-planting initiative, we supported Dr Leech and assisted him to undertake the memorial tree-planting. We welcome his constructive criticism, and we would like to assure all our residents that the city is dedicated to its tree-planting programme.”
Daily News