MUHIMBILI Mloganzila referral hospital has benefitted from 300 shelter trees which will see patients attending the referral hospital enjoy a fresh air environment.

The trees are part of 600 donated by Bayport Financial Services Tanzania to the hospital as well as primary schools of Mloganzila ‘A’ and ‘’B’’ together with Mloganzila secondary school. 

“This initiative aligns with our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy to support a cleaner, greener future for Tanzania,” said Ndringo Materu, the firm’s Chief Operating Officer during the handover event on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam. 

The schools which combined have over 1,000 pupils and students benefited from 300 fruit trees which among others, included mango trees.

Materu emphasized that the company’s focus on sustainability whereas in 2019, it transitioned its loan origination process from paper-based to digital, reducing paper usage and waste significantly. 

“As part of our commitment to a sustainable future, Bayport has pledged to plant 1,000,000 trees across Tanzania. Planting 600 trees in Mloganzila is another step forward in achieving this goal,” he remarked.

Mloganzila referral hospital Deputy Managing Director, Dr Julieth Maganda commented the company’s efforts. 

“We appreciate Bayport’s dedication to global environmental initiatives. Planting trees is not just about the act, it’s about ensuring they thrive, providing shelter, preventing environmental degradation, and supporting the local ecosystem,” she noted.

While commenting the firm for donating, organising and coordinating the tree planting exercise, Dr Maganda added: “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the company for organising these trees planting exercise and for choosing Mloganzila referral hospital as a preferred place for these exercise. We all well understand that trees convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen. In addition trees are source of rainfall but also a source of food including fruits. When well taken care of, these trees we have planted here will be a very benefit to current and future of our generations”.

Baraka Joseph, a standard six pupil at Mloganzila ‘A’ primary school said: ‘There are so many public schools surrounding us but you have decided to choose our school for this exercise. This clearly shows and demonstrates the love you have for our school. We the students here promise to take care of these trees as an appreciation”.

He added that Mloganzila ‘A’ primary school initially had many trees planted at their school but many are shade trees. 

“We are thankful to the company for providing us with fruit trees which will not only provide shade but also contribute to our nutrition,” added Jospeh.