Imagine you
are sitting
next to a river listening to the gentle rush of water on the rocks, a cool breeze
is caressing your face and the sound of the rustling leaves and chirping birds give you the impression that you are in
paradise. Would you believe that
just a few metres away there
is a road bustling with
traffic? Welcome to the State
Land Tatamaka at Grand
Riviere Nord Ouest(GRNW).
Surrounded by A1 Road, the GRNW River, and the old and new GRNW bridges, it is a peaceful haven that is easily overlooked by passers-by. Maybe because of our hectic lifestyle or due to its former state of abandonment, this magnificent spot has long been forgotten and has gradually become a desolate rubbish disposal site, and invaded with overgrown creepers. Certainly not where you'd even imagine setting foot in!
 |
| The gentle flow of the river is sweet melody to the ears |
The Forestry Service
of the Ministry of Agro
Industry & Food Security and the Ministry of Social
Security, National Solidarity and Environment
have come up with the project “GRNW-Social Forestry” to mark the International Year of
Forests 2018 (The theme for this year is "Forests & Sustainable Cities"). The Forestry Service is
implementing the project since May 2018. Although it is
still in the initial stages, the transformation is uncanny! Gone are the creepers, gone is most of the rubbish (sadly, we get a fresh supply nearly
every day) and most important, gone
is the dark, desolate, sombre and unsafe place
that is gradually being
restored to its original state.
 |
| Tonnes of rubbish have been removed |
This laudable project, when completed, will provide leisure, recreation and sport facilities to the citizens, tourist and the general public. Various infrastructures and amenities such as open gyms, petangue court, kiosks, tables & benches, toilets, parking area, garbage bins, amongst others, will be set up in available spaces. Moreover, a waterfront will be created to enhance the site.
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| Cleaning & planting with native and decorative plants |
From a dumping zone and a breeding ground for all sorts of illicit activities, State Land Tatamaka is set to become a gem, the Tatamaka Peri-Urban Forest Zone, which would provide an idyllic environment for people living a hectic life to relax and let go their stress and woes.
Tree planting outside Forests is a laudable initiative to compensate for the decline in our Forest cover. However, proper maintenance and monitoring is a must to ensure the success of the project.
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