Zomba City mayor Davie Maunde has commended the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers for their contribution towards environmental conservation, peace and security.
He was speaking in Zomba during the commemoration of Changalume Barrack’s Freedom of the City March which is aimed at strengthening coexistence between military personnel and civilians.
Maunde said the soldiers have been supporting the council in planting trees in Zomba Mountain and averting unwarranted illegal cutting down of trees.
He however appealed to Zomba residents to exercise responsibility in conserving the mountain which is devastated by high rate of deforestation.
“Let me make an appeal to the residents to take responsibility as men in uniform are helping as to restore the mountain,” Maunde said.
The Commanding officer for Changalume Barracks, Major Exwino Manjawira hailed a warm relationship between the soldiers and Zomba city residents since the Barracks was granted freedom of the city seven years ago.
Manjawira announced plans to conduct aerobics together with Zomba city residents to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Zomba City Council granted Changalume Barracks, also known as 9 Malawi Rifles (9 MR), freedom of the city on March 29 2017 to fortify the military-civilian relations.
