Mafume condemns rampant cutting down of trees in Harare

The MDC Renewal Spokesperson Jacob Mafume has condemned the rampant cutting down of trees in the Harare city centre which he described as having made the city lose its shape and glamour challenging the environmentalist to block such activities.

"What's with the tree cutting frenzy in Harare," he said.

"I am failing to recognize some of the places as they look obscenely bald. What crime have they committed , have they been there illegally all along. Is their capital sin been to provide shade to the so called "illegal vendors" whatever that means . Which court sat in judgement to so mutilate the skyline of Harare. Where were the environment agencies and NGOs , perhaps they are busy sifting mine dumps for environmental gold and diamonds."

He asked as to where is the mourning Mayor in all this or he is powerless to save the trees as he is the vendors .

"The man gives meaning to the word ceremonial mayor save he is also starved of ceremonies to preside over," said Mafume. "Can anyone , someone explain what is happening to the trees , what is their crime .Did they fall on Kasukuwere's car or are they being taken to China too with the baby elephants .Or maybe they came with the colonialists and one of our ever angry ancestors wants them off as they were planted on some chief's scared land."

He said is someone planning to plant Matohwe, Mutamba ,Hacha and so forth ,true trees of the soil which sheltered our war veterans and had been kept out of Harare by the West .

"Who out there will step up to die for Harare trees," he asked.

"Surely they have played their part in the struggle. Have we not put posters ?, painted them even, in our party colours .How then do we allow them to die such an un-comradely death . They must to the Heroes acre I say! for no-one can accuse the trees of Harare of having been dead wood . But seriously can someone explain this tree cutting."