Sierra Leone News: Freetown Sierra Leone Stake Embarks on Tree Planting
By Stephen V. Lansana
In the bid to reduce environmental disaster along the Lumley-Aberdeen beach, the Freetown Sierra Leone Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints embarked on Tree planting at the Aberdeen Creek in Freetown.
The tree planting which took place on the 10th and 17th August, respectively was part of the All African Service project implemented each year in the Africa region by members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The service project was implemented on two separate days this year because of the 2019 Young Single Adults (YSA) Summit which was scheduled for August 15–17 in Makeni. The YSA members in the Stake undertook their own service project a week ahead of the general project.
Speaking on the reason for choosing tree planting activity, the President of Freetown Sierra Leone Stake, Kenneth Pambu said that most family members usually visit this area for entertainment, but they have observed that the water level in this area is increasing gradually, adding that with time if this situation continues, it will cause flooding in the areas.
“We have also observed that this area is a breeding ground for the fishes. They usually come here to lay. So, if this area become dried, they will not be able to lay eggs,” President Pambu said.
He explained that before embarking on this project, the Stake’s Public Affairs engaged stakeholders including the Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) and the Sierra Leone Tourist Board to suggest the type of community project they will want the church to implement during the service project, noting that the stakeholders suggested tree planting along the beach to mitigate environmental hazards in those areas.
