Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
PARLIAMENTARIANS have called for deterrent sentences for people who start veld fires which have destroyed almost one million hectares of land in the country this year.
At present, culprits get away with fines or suspended sentences.
Mudzi West Member of Parliament Cde Magna Mudyiwa moved a motion to amend the legislative framework that deals with veld fires so that it provides for stiffer custodial sentences for people who start fires.
“Particularly this year, the 2016/2017 season, we received plenty of rainfall, normal to above normal as a result of Tropical Cyclone Dineo. The rains supported the growth of vegetation, which translates to high loads of fuel with a high probability of 80 percent of veld fire outbreaks in the country,” said Cde Mudyiwa.
“What we have witnessed in the country are fierce wild fires because of the standing vegetation, hence the need for us as a nation to guard against this menace.”
He said most of the causes of veld fires are anthropogenic, which means that they originate from human activities.
Cde Mudyiwa took the time to remind parliamentarians of the Environmental Management Act which criminalises the starting of fires during the fire season.
According to the legislation, it is an offence to pass by or drive past a veld fire without reporting it to relevant authorities and it criminalises the failure to put in place standard fire guards which are at least nine metres wide at farms.
“What I have seen is that all these [pieces of] legislation have been enforced but they are not being adhered to. There has been trivialisation of environmental issues where environmental offenders normally get suspended sentences; there is no custodial sentence in living memory concerning veld fire offences,” added Cde Mudyiwa.
“I am calling for a stiffer custodial sentence to all those people who deliberately start fires and those who deliberately ignore fires and just keep on moving without reporting them.”
MDC-T MP for Mashonaland West Ms Consilia Chinanzvavana said it was important for parliamentarians to hold awareness campaigns in their constituencies.
“As honourable members we should sit down with our people and educate them on the negative effects of veld fires before the onset of the fire season.
“This practice should cascade to our headmen and chiefs that once a week or once a month, they should educate the people by holding meetings concerning the negative effects of veld fires,” said Ms Chinanzvavana.
“I want to encourage the Government to come up with stiffer penalties on offenders so that we can protect our environment.”
She said veld fires lead to the depletion of forests hence the need to protect living things that depend on the ecosystem.
About 44 people have appeared before the courts for contravening the Environmental Management Act after allegedly starting veld fires.
EMA Public Relations Officer, Mr Steady Kangata, said most of the arrests were done in August and September following the commencement of the fire season in July.
He said the 44 were taken before magistrates countrywide and their cases are yet to be concluded.
Mr Kangata advised the public, especially those in rural areas, to desist from storing flammable substances and to maintain clear fireguards.
“Our statistics show that we have had much more veld fires this year compared to last year. We should all conserve the environment as it is in our best interests. Four people have been killed by veld fires in the last three months and these statistics are catastrophic,” he said while urging members of the public to report anyone they see starting a veld fire.
@thamamoe
Online Reporter