A PLETHORA of vegetation is spreading its roots in local soil after thousands of trees were planted in Athlone to raise environmental awareness.

Last week, 1000 trees were planted in the area, thanks to an initiative by Food and Trees for Africa, the first and only social enterprise that addresses sustainable development through climate change action, food security and greening.

Members of the NGO approached local councillor Suzette Little and explained their plan to plant 2500 trees in the community and with this, create job opportunities for locals.

This was a chance for unemployed residents to receive proper training on planting and nurturing trees and in turn receive a stipend for their effort.

The launch of this project took place on Monday 6 February when 500 trees were delivered to Bokmakierie.

On Tuesday, 250 trees were delivered for the Statice Heights housing project in Kewtown and on Wednesday, 250 trees were dropped off for Parktown.

The trees are being planted on various open fields and once the remaining 1500 trees arrive, the remaining area of Ward 49 will be given a greening make-over.

Little says the community is excited about the area’s new look. “I am very impressed with the change that these trees has made in the ward. We are re-establishing Athlone, making it a new leafy suburb and also creating jobs.

“The community takes ownership of this project because it is their hard work that went into it.”

She says it was amazing to see the entire community get involved.

“Members of Food and Trees for Africa went door to door in the area and gave homeowners invitations to collect a tree. On the three days when the trees were delivered, many residents came to claim a tree which they could take home.”

Once all of Athlone has been beautified, the leftover trees will be distributed in Manenberg, Heideveld and Gugulethu, so that they too can spruce up their communities.

She encourages all residents to embrace this new look and to apply for jobs, if they are interested.

“If you are serious about taking ownership, this is the first step. Change happens when you get up and do something.

“With this we are reducing the carbon footprint in the area, and making a real environmental difference.”

.Any person or NGO involved in homecare, environmental development or youth programmes who is interested in being part of the project can phone Little’s office on (021)637 7671.