Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) says Matabeleland North Province has seen a drastic increase of about 140 percent in veld fires this year, compared to last year.
According to the Environmental Management Act, people who start wildfires are liable to a fine of up to $500 000.
Matabeleland North Province has five hot spot districts; Hwange, Binga, Lupane, Umguza and Bubi.
The districts are based on wildlife, forestry, mining and agriculture, with Hwange being the top fire district in the province.
EMA provincial spokesperson Mrs Mildred Matunga said the province has reported 74 cases between January and 29 August this year.
“The province has to date experienced 74 fire incidences. These have resulted in a total of 22 369,36ha being lost to veld fires compared to 9 305,34ha during the same reporting period last year, signalling an increase of 140,39 percent.”
She said most fires experienced in the province are human induced.
“Most of the fires experienced in the province are human induced and linked to the economic activities taking place in the five districts. The human induced activities include poaching in the parks and forest areas, smoking out bees, clearance of vegetation by using fire to pave way for the use of metal detectors by illegal miners and land preparation using fire for agricultural purposes,” said the provincial spokesperson.
She said all the fires were extinguished in time.
Mrs Matunga said it is good to see that some traditional leaders were playing their part in avoiding veld fires.
“It is encouraging to note that some traditional leaders are exercising their legal obligation of preventing, controlling and managing veld fires in areas under their jurisdiction and are penalising veld fire offenders,” she said.
Mrs Matunga said offenders who will be found guilty of starting veld fires are penalised depending on the degree of damage caused by the fire. – @flora_sibanda
Blessing Chizhande
Online Reporter