EMA embraces latest technologies

Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

The GOVERNMENT has provided the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) with funds to adopt latest technologies that have improved efficiency in the watchdog’s day-to-day activities.

Addressing journalists during a media engagement workshop in Chinhoyi on Tuesday, EMA spokesperson Ms Amkela Sidange said the management of veld fires has been enhanced by applying modern technologies.

“When it comes to use of fires, we are in control of the earth station and the near real-time satellite system to monitor fires. We are using this system to pick up active fires, historical fires and then triangulate with people who are on the ground,” she said.

“Whenever we pick up a fire through the satellite, we then post information about it in the group (WhatsApp), where there are various stakeholders, including agricultural extension officers. We have fire alerts daily and people then quickly pick up the fire and alert communities,” Ms Sidange added.

Makonde, Zvimba and Hurungwe are traditionally the worst to be affected by veld fires in the province but this year, effective use of technology has seen a decline of 67 percent of burnt areas in these districts, as at October 31, compared to the same period last year. The province has also not recorded any fatalities this year.

Ms Sidange said use of satellite technology is also helping in carrying out surveys of land degraded through unsustainable mining practices.

EMA’s provincial manager for Mashonaland West, Mr Rambwayi Mapako, said engagement with all 15 local councils in the province to discourage parcelling out of stands on wetlands was bearing fruit.

He also said the agency is battling against a large number of miners operating without environmental impact assessment certificates.