Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has warned people against starting veld fires to avoid the destruction of the environment.
Last week, the EMA Midlands provincial team launched the fire week and has been conducting awareness campaigns as it prepares for the fire season which usually begins end of July.
Provincial Spokesperson, Mr Oswald Ndlovu said veld fires remain a threat to sustainable management of natural resources as they affect critical economy enablers such as agriculture, forestry, and wildlife among others.
He said campaigns have already kickstarted as the agency seeks to reduce veld fires.
“As EMA, we have been issuing farmers with fire orders for the ways to construct standard fire guards around their premises. We have also held awareness campaigns to educate farmers about veld fires in preparation of the fire season,” said Mr Ndlovu.
In 2020, Midlands lost a total of 24 234.94 hectares of vegetation to veld fires, with major causes being attributed to land clearance for farming purposes and negligent disposal of cigarrete buts among other.
“It has been noted that among other causes, there is illegal gold exploration, smoking out bees, hunting and arson as major causes of runaway fires. These gigantic blazes contribute to land degradation due to reduced land cover which accelerates the washing away of fertile soil so we have to educate all those groups of people on the dangers they are likely to cause,” said Mr Ndlovu.
In Midlands; Kwekwe, Chirumhanzu, Gweru and Shurugwi have been identified as hotspots.
EMA is also intensifying demonstration of fire guard construction, hay baling, controlled burning and firefighting.
More fires are being predicted this year due to heavy rains that increased biomass.
As such, EMA is holding a number of awareness campaigns on fire suppression measures have been put in place in many areas especially in newly resettled farms.
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