Samia to grace peace, reconciliation week in Mbeya

The peace and reconciliation week is spearheaded by religious and traditional leaders to sensitize public on the importance of peace and reconciliation and this year’s peak will be on March

Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Juma Homera said this at the weekend when speaking to journalists and peace and reconciliation community leaders from all districts across the region.

Homera said that preparations for the celebration are ongoing and before the climax, various social activities will be held in the region, including blood donation, tree planting in various areas to take care of the environment as well as sports.

He said that apart from various activities, community leaders will conduct a special campaign against sexual violence against women and children in all areas of the region.

“I instruct all district commissioners to cooperate with communities to carry out these activities. Blood donation in Kyela District has already started and they have collected more than 100 units. I request you to continue with other areas so that we can save the lives of our people,” he said.

Rev Oscar Ongere, Mbeya regional peace and reconciliation chairman asked various development stakeholders in the region to support the community so that it can perform its duties properly before the climax.

He said they intend to plant more than 2,000 trees in various areas of the region, including at water sources and public institutions.

He said that in order to carry out those activities, they need to be supported by various stakeholders, explaining that they need tools to accomplish the mission.

“we are grateful to our colleagues at the CRDB Bank who have provided us with 2,000 trees that we will plant in various places; we ask other stakeholders to help us by donating more money so that we can reach the goal of collecting 1,000 units of blood,” he said.

Rocket Mwashinga, a traditional leader in Mbeya District, asked the government to thoroughly enforce the environment protection law to prevent environmental damage, especially reckless cutting of trees which exacerbate the impact of climate change.

He said that many forests managed by the government through its institutions are being destroyed unlike those managed by chiefs, explaining that no one is allowed to enter chiefs’ forest and carry out activities other than chiefs themselves.