adminElita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
Government has amended the Forest Act and people caught violating veld fires regulations will now receive mandatory custodial sentences, Vice President Phekezela Mphoko said yesterday. Officially launching the 2015 National Fire Action Plan Roll Out programme at Glenara Estates in Mazowe yesterday, VP Mphoko said veld fires were threatening the country’s food security as large hectares of land were being burnt and negatively affecting crop and livestock production.
“To address this, Government has taken a stance of “Zero Tolerance to Veld Fires” by amending the Forest Act. All those caught will go to jail as those who committed crimes such as cattle rustling, rape or domestic violence.
“Those who do not report people who start fires will also be jointly charged with those criminals.
“Furthermore, they will answer to our traditional leaders whom we call upon to charge all those who cause veld fires,” he said.
He raised concern that there was an increase in veld fire incidences with lives and property worth millions of dollars being lost.
“Since 2009, 72 human lives had been lost due to veld fires, among them women and children. Millions of hectares of veld, pasture land and forest areas are burnt every year and property including livestock, wildlife and houses worth millions have been destroyed,” he said.
VP Mphoko said some people started the veld fires deliberately especially hunters and those who gathered honey while others burnt pastures to have green grass for their livestock.
He said Government had come up with an action plan that involved the establishment of committees to superintend over veld fire control in the country.
“In all farming areas, we want to see standard fire-guards and fire towers. We should have fire fighting teams and equipment. All Government departments with extension officers from provincial to ward levels are expected to collaborate with chiefs in fighting veld fires. Schoolchildren should also be taught on safety measures to take when there is veld fire,” he said.
VP Mphoko handed over bicycles to chiefs’ aides to be used during campaigns against veld fires.
Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Cde Oppah Muchinguri said several Government arms such as Agriculture, Women Affairs, Youth and Environment were going to work with communities from ward to district levels to fight veld fires.
She said the districts would be monitored and those that did not cause veld fires would be rewarded through income generating projects.
“We will also name and shame those who cause veld fires. We will also use WhatsApp to inform and educate the public on the dangers of veld fires. It is better to discuss important issues on WhatsApp. We will ensure that there are toll free lines where people can report fire incidences and report people causing veld fires,” she said.
Chief Negomo, Lucias Chitsinde, said it was taboo for people to cause fire, as they disturbed ancestors.
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