The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has continued to strengthen cooperation with communities living adjacent to its forests, a development that is contributing to efforts to promote forest and environmental conservation across the country.
On October 7, 2026, TFS, through its Iringa-based Sao Hill Forest Plantation, provided 50 bags of cement and pledged to supply 8,000 bricks to support the construction of the Itimbo Village Office in Mufindi District.
The building materials were handed over as part of TFS’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with communities living around the country’s vast tree plantations.
The support is expected to accelerate construction of the office and improve the environment for the delivery of social and administrative services to residents.
At a handover ceremony, Sao Hill Forest Plantation Chief Conservator, PCO Tebby Yoramu, said the assistance was part of TFS’s commitment to working with and supporting communities living adjacent to forests managed by the agency.
“TFS recognises and values the contribution of local communities to conservation activities, and it is therefore important for us to work with them in various areas of development,” said PCO Yoramu.
He noted that the established cooperation between TFS and local communities was crucial to strengthening forest conservation, adding that communities are key stakeholders in protecting and preserving forest resources for the benefit of both present and future generations.
For his part, Itimbo Village Chairman, Obiath Kilonge, thanked TFS for the support, saying it had come at the right time and would help accelerate construction of the village office.
He said completion of the office would benefit residents by improving their access to social and administrative services.
“We sincerely thank TFS and Sao Hill Forest Plantation for this support. The 50 bags of cement and 8,000 bricks are a major contribution to us and will greatly help in the construction of our office,” said Kilonge.
Itimbo Village Executive Officer, Ms Zaituni Jafari, said the support demonstrated the importance of the existing cooperation between TFS and communities surrounding Sao Hill Forest Plantation.
She expressed commitment that the village would continue working closely with the agency in promoting forest and environmental conservation activities.
Itimbo CCM Branch Chairman, Augen Kahulo, for his part, hailed TFS for maintaining close relations with local communities, saying the support was a practical demonstration of cooperation that would further encourage residents to participate in protecting forests and the environment.
“Forest conservation is a shared responsibility, and we will continue encouraging the people of Itimbo to protect our forests and environment,” said Kahulo.