2025 Tree Planting Season: Preserving Nature for Sustainable Water
Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) officially launched the 2025 tree planting season on March 1, 2025, with a vibrant ceremony led by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Abida Sidik Mia. The launch saw the planting of 100,000 tree seedlings in a single day, as part of SRWB’s ambitious target to plant 150,000 trees by the end of the season.
The reforestation effort comes at a pivotal time as years of uncontrolled deforestation on Mulunguzi Mountain have caused significant siltation in Mulunguzi Dam, reducing its storage capacity and endangering water supply to surrounding communities. The environmental degradation has also disrupted rainfall patterns, leading to the lowest water levels recorded since 2006.
At the launch, Minister Mia commended the Ministry of Defense for stepping in to provide security for newly planted trees, ensuring their protection as they grow. She also recognized SRWB’s success in improving water supply in key areas like Liwonde, Jali, and Nkhudzi Bay, calling the efforts “a testament to SRWB’s commitment to both service delivery and environmental stewardship.”
The event drew wide participation from stakeholders including Malawi Housing Corporation and Raiply, both of which donated 1,500 seedlings each to support the initiative. The SRWB CEO noted that since 2019, the Board has planted 550,000 trees, achieving an impressive 92.1% survival rate as of March 2025 — a strong indicator of the program’s effectiveness.
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