By Memory Chatonda

Thyolo, August 3, Mana: Director of Public Works for Blantyre District Council, Joseph Bodole has urged extension workers to share knowledge and practices gained on nursery establishment and tree management with local structures, so that environment could be restored.

He said this on Wednesday in Thyolo district during the official opening of a three-day training workshop on Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) where 75 extension workers are attending.

Bodole said extension workers play a crucial role in the implementation of CS-EPWP hence the need to equip them with various and essential skills that would help to achieve the programme’s intended results.

“We want you to perform the best of your capabilities. Tackle real issues affecting your respective communities and use the knowledge gained to change the mindset of local communities regarding environmental conservation,” he advised.

One of the participants, Nozghechi Hara hailed Blantyre District Council for the training, pledging to put into practice the skills gained to conserve the environment. 

“After this training, we will equip foremen and Catchment Management Committee members on nursery and woodlot establishment and management, occupational safety and health, catchment environmental and social management plan, grievances and Gender Based Violence (GBV) issues including emergency response planning so that they can extend the same knowledge to their fellow communities to improve the environment,” she said. 

Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Blantyre, Edward Katunga advised members of the Blantyre District Environmental Sub-committee to conduct regular monitoring of CS-EPWP activities so that best results could be achieved.

CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project supported by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

It is being implemented by 28 local councils in the country and facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee.

Participants of the programme implement sub-project activities such as natural tree regeneration management, contour ridging, construction of swales, and tree planting among others.