Bralirwa Plc, part of the HEINEKEN Company, partnered with Rubavu District to plant 5,000 trees along the banks of river Sebeya and surrounding communities to promote environmental sustainability on November 9.

As part of the company’s ‘brew a better world’ agenda, Bralirwa donated 5,000 fruit trees and agroforestry seedlings to the residents of Gisenyi Sector in Rubavu District and joined the community for tree planting in a bid to sensitize them on the importance of environmental conservation.

The communal activity, which was graced by the Mayor of Rubavu district, Prosper Mulindwa, among other distinguished district authorities, was attended by over 200 participants who were thrilled to have some of the fruit trees within their homesteads to improve livelihoods, prevent soil erosion and support biodiversity.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Bralirwa, Etienne Saada, reiterated the company’s efforts towards replenishing watersheds and nature in close collaboration with key stakeholders. "As a company, we are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Today’s initiative is one of many steps we are taking to create healthier ecosystems and a better planet for generations to come,” said Saada.

Bralirwa plants 20,000 trees every year. While 5,000 trees were planted in Rubavu District last week, the remaining will be evenly distributed to districts of Nyarugenge, Kicukiro and Rwamagana during this year’s planting season.

The Mayor of Rubavu District, Mulindwa, thanked Bralirwa for their consistent contribution to the environmental conservation efforts within the district and called upon the residents of Gisenyi sector to preserve the trees for their benefits to the community.

"Our district takes great pride in our ongoing collaboration with Bralirwa and our shared efforts towards the social, environmental and economic development of the district,” said Mulindwa.

In September, Bralirwa donated garbage collection bins to cooperatives working along the shores of Lake Kivu in Nyamyumba sector, Rubavu district in commemoration of the world cleanup Day, under the theme ‘make room for life’.

Last year, the company donated 20 million Rwandan Francs for construction materials to the victims of flooding in Rubavu in partnership with Rwanda Red Cross Society.