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The National Fire Week is launched in the second week of May every year, ahead of the onset of the fire season in July up to October.
In a speech read on her behalf by Nkayi district administrator Mr Moses Mbewe during the launch at Dlawa Primary School in Nkayi at the weekend, Governor and Resident Minister Thokozile Mathuthu said there was a need to stop fire outbreaks, as they posed a danger to the province’s natural resources.
“Matabeleland North Province is a hub of tourism industry and uncontrolled fires are not compatible with our highly esteemed industry as they destroy our biodiversity,” said Governor Mathuthu.
She said it was against such a background that members of the public should protect the environment.
This year’s national fire protection campaign is being run under the theme, “Protect the Environment, Prevent Veldfires”.
“It is our mandate to protect our environment and most importantly our natural resources which fires should not destroy,” said Governor Mathuthu.
She said natural resources were fast diminishing and fires worsened the situation.
According to national fire statistics, 713 770 hectares of land were lost to veldfires and Matabeleland North accounted for 100 000 hectares, making it the third ranked province in terms of fire outbreaks.
Governor Mathuthu said Nkayi District recorded the highest number of fire incidents as it accounted for most fires recorded in her province, hence the decision to launch the campaign there.
“We noted with concern that this province was the third highest in terms of fire outbreaks and on that breath, we urge members of the public to put in place fireguards at their fields by 31 July,” said Governor Mathuthu.
She said they would make follow ups and check whether people were complying with the directive.
Environmental Management Agency Matabeleland North acting provincial manager Mr Kwanele Ndiweni said the environment was an important aspect of people’s livelihood and needed to be protected at all costs.
“No one will do it for us if we can’t do it ourselves,” said Mr Ndiweni.
He implored traditional leaders to assume leading roles in initiating fire awareness campaigns. I would also like to encourage members of the public to report fires as soon as possible to avoid loss of property,” said Mr Ndiweni.
Online Reporter