NYAGATARE- As Nyagatare District prepares to plant trees on 900 hectares of land, local residents have been cautioned against grazing their cattle in land earmarked for the forests.

The District Mayor, Fred Atuhe Sabitti, made the announcement during the launch of reforestation program in Rwimiyaga Sector.

The campaign is carried out by the Reserve force of the Rwanda Defence Forces.
 
The Mayor noted that 140 hectares will be planted with trees, especially on hillsides in Rwimiyaga, a newly resettled sector,

"This sector is newly settled. That’s why we want to plant many trees to protect the environment,” he told those present.

The Mayor also warned against felling trees.

"There are punishments for those who will attempt to uproot or graze in the area. Anyone caught grazing cattle will be fined Rwf 20,000 while those grazing goats will be fined Rwf 5000,” he said.

Capt. Robert Murenzi, the head of projects in the Reserve Forces of RDF, said that apart from leading the tree planting campaign, they would also monitor their safety.

Dismas Bakundukize, an official in the natural resources department called on residents to play a role to ensure the trees grow.

"You have to play a role in protecting these trees. This will help meet the government’s target to plant trees on 30 percent of the country’s surface area by the year 2020,” he said.

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