The Free State will go green on Friday, 8 November 2013. A total of 39km in 12 towns of the Free State will receive a massive ideal green boost. Led by Premier Ace Magashule, MECs, Mayors, HoDs and Municipal Managers as well as conservationists will descend on the 12 identified towns to give them a deserved ‘‘green face lift’’ by planting a total of 15, 000 trees and plants.
Due to the historical past, spacial development plan, white areas boast of green backyards because municipalities only focused on white areas for planting of trees. To reverse this Premier Ace Magashule directed the Free State townships should be given priority to create a green environment.
This gave rise to the greening programme entitled ‘‘Ntlafatso ya Metse ya Rona: Re jala Difate’’. Since 2004 more than 200 000 plants and trees have been planted in the Free State yet townships remain ‘‘concrete and dusty’’ areas compared to their leafy white neighbouring areas.
Members of the public are urged to join the Premier in this important life changing exercise. Participants will assemble at the respective municipal Offices at 09H00 for briefing and directions. Residents will be expected to adopt a tree or plant close to their household.
A tree can be a natural air conditioner. The evaporation from a single tree can produce the cooling effect of 10 room size air conditioners operating 20hrs per day. One large tree can supply enough oxygen for four people per day.
These 12 identified towns are: Parys/ Tumahole, Warden/ Ezenzeleni, Heilbron/Phiritona, Virginia/Meloding, Frankfort/Namahadi, Cornelia/ Ntswanatsatsi, Kroonstad/Marabastad, Sasolburg/Zamdela, Ventersburg/Mamahabane, Viljoenskroon/ Rammulotsi, Trompsburg/Madikgetla, Botshabelo.
For more information:
Kgotso Tau
Cell: 082 833 9595
Tel: 051 400 9544
Email: Tauk@detea.fs.gov.za
