Communities in Rumphi have pledged renewed commitment to environmental restoration, declaring that reafforestation efforts must become a shared responsibility if the district is to restore its rapidly degrading landscape. This was expressed during a community-led tree‑planting event held on Friday, the 27th of February 2026, which drew participation from local leaders, youth groups, and officials from the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA), including its Chief Executive Officer.
The event, held at Chilulu Primary school identified as highly vulnerable to destructive winds, soil erosion and siltation, brought together residents who highlighted the urgent need for collective action to reverse environmental damage. Many community members acknowledged that human activities—such as charcoal production, uncontrolled land clearing, and encroachment into forest reserves—had contributed significantly to the loss of tree cover.
“We have seen the effects with our own eyes. Our rivers are drying, our soils are washing away, and our harvests are no longer the same,” said Sub TA Ndendende. “We cannot wait for government or organizations alone. This land is ours, and it is our responsibility to bring back the trees.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority commended the communities for taking ownership of the reafforestation agenda, stressing that environmental stewardship is integral to sustainable development. He noted that the construction industry thrives on stable, resilient ecosystems, and that loss of forest cover poses long-term risks to infrastructure, water resources, and community livelihoods.
He further highlighted CIRA’s dedication to partnering with local communities and institutions in initiatives that promote responsible land use and environmental sustainability. “Reafforestation is not just about planting trees; it is about restoring the balance that supports life, infrastructure, and the economy,” emphasized Eng. Gerald Khonje.
Local leaders echoed the call for community-led action, urging residents to not only plant but also nurture the trees until maturity. They emphasized that many past reafforestation programmes had failed because communities were not actively involved in follow‑up care after planting.
Pupils were also present, with many expressing excitements at being part of an initiative that shapes the future of their environment. For them, reafforestation is both an environmental duty and a legacy they hope to pass on to the next generation.
CIRA supported the initiative with 5,000 seedlings which brings the total contribution to this year’s tree planting season to 20,0000 with 7,500 having been planted in Nkhotakota and Balaka each. Community members expressed optimism that with continued cooperation, Rumphi can reclaim its natural beauty, strengthen its ecological resilience, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
As one elder concluded, “These trees are our promise—to ourselves, to our children, and to the land that sustains us.”
