By: Vida Msiyo

Blantyre, November 1, Mana: Chitseka Foundation in partnership with communities under Village Head Chopenga in Chilomoni Township on Friday undertook its first project with focus on controlling erosion along the slopes of degraded Michiru Mountain.

Foundation members and local residents placed rocks in areas heavily impacted by water runoff, aiming at reducing the risk of damage to farmland, homes and local infrastructure.

Executive Director for Chitseka Foundation, Prince Chitseka said the plan was initiated to safeguard both the environment and the community.

“We saw that erosion channels on Michiru Mountain pose a risk, especially during heavy rains and decided to take action, by placing rocks in these areas, we aim at slowing the flow of water and future efforts will include tree planting wherever necessary,” he said.

Village Head Chopenga commended the foundation’s involvement, describing it as essential support for the community’s long-standing environmental efforts.

“This is what we have always hoped for to have people helping us protect the environment, since we started in 2019, resources have been limited because we are all volunteers and now with the foundation, we believe this work will progress and they will help with some of the tools like slashers, hoes and panga knives,” he said.

Community members have also committed to forest preservation, discouraging deforestation practices around Michiru Mountain.

Treasurer of the Forest Committee in Chopenga Village, Susan Mkolongo said maintaining vegetative cover is critical for air quality and preventing soil erosion.

“These rocks are a temporary measure to protect crops and infrastructure until we can plant more trees with the rains, all thanks to Chitseka Foundation for coming through, we believe they will be there to help bring back our Michiru Forest,” she said.

The efforts of the Chitseka Foundation and the Chilomoni community on Michiru Mountain aim at strengthening environmental protection and foster a sustainable future for the local area.