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MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, has called for the total prevention of veld fires as the fire season starts.
This comes on the backdrop of increasing fire outbreaks in the past seasons.
In her speech read of her behalf by the Provincial Administrator, Mr Fungai Mbetsa at the belated Provincial National Fire Week Campaign Launch in Nyanga National Park on Tuesday, Cde Chimene said veld fires were fast becoming a cause for concern.
“Veld fires have of late become one of the major challenges that the country is facing and are also undoubtedly a major driver of land degradation and biodiversity loss,” she said.
A million hectares are burnt every year. In particular, in the 2014 fire season, there was an increase in the area burnt from 1 179 274ha to 1 653 822ha destroying property, forests and wildlife. A total of 12 people lost their lives in the process.
As a panacea to this massive loss, Cde Chimene advised people to make use of fireguards and other activities that reduce tall grass.
“This is the time to make sure that your farms and property are protected by the standard nine-metre fireguards on either sides of your boundary fence.
“Those in high veld areas must engage in activities that reduce tall grass in your area such as hay bailing or harvesting thatch grass for commercial purposes,” she said.
Chief Hata said they were trying by all means in helping to curb veld fires as custodians of natural resources.
“We are tirelessly bringing to book all veld fire offenders, but sometimes we are encountering some resistance.
Farm owners and communities that reside on Mount Muozi plateau annually start veld fires, but bringing them to book have been a challenge as they say they don’t fall under the chief’s jurisdiction,” he said.
This year it was commemorated under the theme: “Veld Fire Prevention – My responsibility.”
Online Reporter