The Mayor of the Kumba II Council, Ferdinand Asapngu Nkiaka, has located the swampy area of Fiango Water in Kosala, to nurse some tree species.

The species to be planted include cypress, terminalia catappa, palmier royal, plumeria alba, plumeria rubra and wengue.The Mayor disclosed that they have already paid for the nursery, while ridges are being developed for the plants.

It should be noted that the tree-planting project is the outcome of a partnership agreement between some Southwest councils and the National Forestry Development Agency, ANAFOR, on March 13.

According to the agreement, ANAFOR would assist Kumba II Council to elaborate and implement its tree-planting project to 19 km along some streets.The agency would equally assist in the planting of trees in 18 school campuses and along the banks of Fiango Water.

ANAFOR, represented by its General Manager, Dieudonne Nguele Tolo, also pledged to advice and assist the Kumba II Council in the conception and implementation of any other tree-planting project.

The Mayor told The Post that based on their agreement; the ANAFOR General Manager would designate technical staff for a permanent follow-up of the activities of the project. He said his council in return would provide logistical support within the limits of available means.

Asapngu stated that the initiative was welcomed as it would create supplementary employment through the maintenance of the planted areas.

According to him, the tree-planting project would preserve and restore the environment by increasing the aesthetic value of the municipality.The Mayor said the effect of sunshine in Kumba II would be reduced. He hoped that the face of his municipality would be changed in the years ahead.

It should be noted that Kumba I council was also a signatory to the ANAFOR project.

The Post learned that Kumba III Mayor, Samuel Ndeme Takem, rejected the initiative when contacted by the ANAFOR.

He reportedly stated that his municipality is remote and does not need trees. However, he is said to have rushed to Yaounde later after realising the importance of the project.