By Ithabeleng Qhasho
REVENUE Services Lesotho (RSL) is targeting the planting of approximately 24 000 trees this year as it continues its campaign to contribute to a greener and more sustainable Lesotho.
The latest tree-planting initiative was held at Ha Molipa, Kolonyama, this past weekend, where RSL, in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, planted 2000 trees.
RSL Acting Commissioner General, ’Manneheng Mopeli, said the organisation’s commitment to environmental conservation dates back to 2023, when RSL celebrated its 20th anniversary by planting 20 000 trees.
“As a government department, we are entrusted with carrying out the work of government, and that is why we have fulfilled the mandate given to the Forestry Department regarding environmental conservation. We would like to see our country become green, with fertile soil that does not erode and rivers that are protected. We also want to breathe clean air. Ultimately, when we provide tax services, our goal is to ensure that every Mosotho lives a healthy and comfortable life in the country,” said Ms Mopeli.
She said RSL subsequently committed to planting an additional 1,000 trees every year until its 30th anniversary.
The organisation planted 20 000 trees in 2023, 21 000 in 2024 and 22 000 in 2025, bringing the cumulative number of trees planted to 63 000 across different communities in Lesotho.
The initiative has now entered its fourth year, with RSL continuing to work with the Department of Forestry to promote environmental conservation and restoration.
Meanwhile, Moselantja Molao from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in Leribe said 2000 trees had been planted at Ha Molipa since the beginning of that week.
Ms Molao appealed to members of the Ha Molipa community to protect the newly planted trees by preventing livestock from damaging them and avoiding the use of fire near the plantation area.
Thabiso Maketse of Tsoili Tsoili Council said tree planting was an important initiative because trees were another resource that the country could use to generate wealth.
He thanked RSL and the Forestry Department for their collaboration in the tree-planting campaign.
“I promise that these trees will be protected. We will work hard together with the area chief and the community to ensure that the trees grow, so that tomorrow you can go to other areas and find that there has been progress rather than moving backwards.
“When you come to inspect them, you will find that the trees are growing well and have not been destroyed by livestock,” said Mr Maketse.
RSL said the tree-planting campaign formed part of its commitment to building a greener, healthier and more sustainable Lesotho, while encouraging communities to take an active role in protecting the environment.
