NYANZA- As part of the ongoing national tree planting drive, residents of Busoro Sector, on Monday, joined Police officers in the area in planting over 21,000 trees in Rukingiro Cell, which is part of the sector.

The trees were planted on Cyuriro hill, a consolidated 10.8 hectare parcel of land.

Organised by the Police with the help of the military, the exercise attracted about 3,040 residents, with those taking part vowing to protect the newly planted trees.

"This is a region often affected by shortage of rains. We are aware that trees can help us in increasing the level of rainfall we receive. We promise to look after these trees until they are mature,” pledged Augustin Habinshuti, a resident at Kimirama Cell.

Another resident, Ludovic Rusatsi of Rukingiro Cell, observed: "We shall protect them from domestic animals and replace the old ones. These trees are very important for our survival.”

The District Police Commander (DPC), Chief Inspector Emmanuel Manimba noted that by joining residents in the exercise, the National Police had chosen to contribute to the protection of the environment. He further noted that the move contributes to forging a strong relationship with society.

"The police have sought to contribute to the development of the country through their involvement in the tree planting exercise. But most importantly, this is a way of approaching residents, exchanging with them and getting more familiar with them,” he noted.

"We have realised that residents are becoming more open and free whilst with us. That strong relationship with the community is very crucial to us,” Manimba underscored, calling on residents to own the trees and take care of them.

According to Jean Pierre Nkundiye, the Executive secretary of Busoro Sector, over 200,000 trees are to be planted in the area this season.

"Each cell has prepared at least 10 hectares of consolidated land where trees should be planted. But we are also distributing fruit trees to residents. The process has already started and we hope to meet our target soon,” Nkundiye observed.

Ends