The Welsh Labour government has sparked outrage after it was revealed that £4 million of taxpayer money has been allocated to a tree-planting project in Uganda, which claims to promote gender equality.
The initiative, dubbed 'Gender Equal Trees', has raised eyebrows among critics who question the use of public funds for overseas projects while domestic issues in Wales remain underfunded.
Where is the money going?
The £4 million is part of Wales' international development budget, which is intended to support global sustainability efforts. However, the specifics of how the funds will be used to achieve 'gender equality through trees' remain unclear.
Opposition leaders have slammed the decision, calling it a 'waste of resources' at a time when Welsh communities are grappling with rising living costs and strained public services.
Public backlash grows
Many taxpayers have expressed frustration over the allocation, with some questioning whether the money could have been better spent on local environmental or social programs.
A government spokesperson defended the project, stating that it aligns with Wales' commitment to global sustainability and gender equality. However, they failed to provide concrete details about how the initiative will measure its impact.
What happens next?
As criticism mounts, pressure is growing on the Welsh government to justify the expenditure or reconsider the allocation of these funds. With public scrutiny intensifying, this controversy shows no signs of fading away.
