RB Steals Show at EU Graced Chipata Tree Planting Event

Fourth Republican President Rupiah Bwezani Banda joined the European Union graced Plant a Million Zambia exercise at Katopola Farmers Training Centre charming locals.

And European Union ambassador to Zambia and COMESA region Alessandro Mariani says it is quite exciting to see the level of development in Chipata.

Speaking at the launch of Plant a Million Zambia at Katopola Farmers Training Centre on Thursday, Ambassador Mariani said he was last in Chipata 12 years ago when he was EU ambassador to Malawi.

“My first time in Chipata was 12 years ago, this was the time in which I was Ambassador of the European Union in Malawi and sometimes I had the pleasure with my family to come to your region and to go to Mfuwe for holidays. So every time that I come to Chipata I always look at the difference between the Chipata I have in my eyes at that time and the Chipata of today,” he said.

“I have to say that it is quite exciting to see the difference and the level of development. So I want to conclude my few words by congratulating all the people of Chipata, all the people of the Eastern region for the big effort that they have made all along these years in order to have such development.”

Ambassador Mariani said planting trees meant building up the future.

“Please let’s stop cutting trees, let’s prevent the cutting of trees which is inconsiderate. Today I had two feelings when I was travelling to Chipata. The first was not a good feeling because when I looked to the right and to the left I saw a lot of degradation, I saw trees which have been cut and I saw lots of charcoal that was sold along the road, these I am afraid were not good feelings. The other feeling which was a good feeling is to see the Great East Road from Luangwa Bridge up to the border with Malawi which has been beautifully rehabilitated. This is a first class road; it’s a public road that will last for 20 years and more. Please make sure you impose action legislation that you have in your country,” he said.

The launch was also attended by 4th republican president Rupiah Banda.