Residents from Mahatshula medium density suburb in Ward 3 that took part in BPRA’s inaugural tree planting day commemorations that were held in May 2011 have reported that the trees they planted have only been watered twice in the past four months. On the day of the commemorations it was stated that the city council employees in the various wards that took part in the commemorations would be responsible for watering the trees using council mobile bowsers. Residents said they only witnessed the watering on two occasions. The residents have stressed that the local authority should communicate with residents on a regular basis so that residents are well versed with critical issues of service delivery in their area – issues such as that of provision of resources for maintenance of recreational facilities such as parks and soccer pitches. The residents suggested that BCC should drill a borehole that will provide water to the residents in the area. The same borehole could be used to water the wilting trees that were planted in May 2011. Bulawayo has been hard hit by deforestation as residents fetch firewood as a substitute for electricity on a daily basis. Due to this, it is important for the city fathers to proactively take part in initiatives aimed at restoring the environment. BPRA believes that maintenance of the environment is a critical component of sustainable development, hence its commemoration of World Environment Day in May 2011.
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