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Lawrence Chitumba Correspondent
MASHONALAND Central is the third worst affected province when it comes to veld fires and Government will intensify the implementation of the fire protection strategies through local stakeholders participation, Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Cde Monica Mavhunga has said.
She said the province recorded a 13 percent increase in area burnt in the past year, with a total of 118 219 hectares being destroyed in 2017 compared to 153 305,44 hectares in 2018.
In a speech read on her behalf by Guruve District development coordinator Mr Romeo Shangwa at Siyalima Farm in Guruve District during the Mashonaland Central fire season awareness campaign launch last week, Cde Mavhunga said the roles of local rural councils and traditional leadership were important in complementing Government programmes for effective and sustainable veld fire prevention.
“The province remains the third worst affected province in terms of area burnt, where a total of 118 219 hectares were destroyed in 2017 compared to 153 305,44 hectares in 2018. Let me take this opportunity to highlight that Mashonaland Central Province recorded a 13 percent increase in area burnt in the past year, this is not recommendable,” she said.
“The commitment of Government towards veld fire management is clearly cemented in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme which narrates to intensifying the implementation of national fire protection strategies which incorporate local stakeholder participation in veld fire prevention and management.”
Cde Mavhunga added: “The role of local councils and traditional leadership will also be important in complementing Government programmes for effective and sustainable veld fire prevention. These will include encouraging land users to take preventive measures such as fire guards around farms, whilst also ensuring that fire-fighting equipment is in good working condition.
“The role of traditional leaders in natural resources management in the province is shown in some areas were most of our chiefs have embraced their role in veld fire management, for example Chief Senator Matsiwo in Mbire District is dealing with veld fire culprits, which has led to a decrease in outbreaks within the wards he presides over.”
Online Reporter