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Announcing the statistics yesterday, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Francis Nhema said the country’s economic turn- around strategy was under threat from veld fires.
Minister Nhema was speaking at Lochard Business Centre in Insiza District during the launch of the 2012 Insiza District Fire Awareness Campaign.
He said the nation could not afford the continued loss of life and property because of human error.
“The country’s turn-around strategy is rooted in our natural resources. Unfortunately this natural capital is under threat from veld fires. Together we have the potential to make a difference and let us start to act now,” said Minister Nhema.
“It is sad to note that a total of 347 356 hectares of land have been destroyed by veld fires countrywide from 799 fire incidences. By comparison to the same period in 2011 there were 350 fire incidences that destroyed 209 000 hectares.”
Minister Nhema said Matabeleland South was one of the worst hit provinces, with Insiza District losing about 20 000 hectares of land to veld fires.
“Insiza District had by 17 August recorded 23 fire incidences that destroyed 18 700 hectares. So far, five lives have been lost due to veld fires countrywide, but we still have about two months before the end of the fire season.
“Zimbabwe is endowed with a vast heritage of natural capital and environmental assets that offer multitude ecological goods and services to its people. It is sad to note that this natural capital is under threat from uncontrolled veld fires,” he said.
Minister Nhema said the prevention of veld fires could be achieved and all that was needed was for people to be responsible.
“It should be everyone’s responsibility to prevent veld fires and I would like to appeal to all people to take charge of the situation before the situation takes charge of us.
“It is, however, important for communities to conduct prescribed burning in the appropriate manner and within the stipulated timeframe taking into cognisance the weather conditions,” said Minister Nhema.
He advised farmers to construct fireguards as a precautionary measure before the end of July every year.
The Member of Parliament for Insiza North, Cde Andrew Langa, urged members of the community to take stock of their actions and play their part in environmental management.
“It is unfortunate that lives are also lost when people start veld fires. I would like to encourage people to treat the environment like their own homes.
“This is our heritage and we have to preserve it. Matabeleland region is vastly known for cattle ranching but if we have no pastures to feed our cattle then we are doomed,” he said.
Cde Langa, who is also the Deputy Minister of Public Service called on the Government to come up with stiffer penalties for those found guilty of starting veld fires.
Deputy president of the Senate, Cde Naison Ndlovu, senior Government officials, traditional leaders, senior civil servants and villagers were among the people that attended the event.
The campaign was held under the theme “Protect the environment, prevent veld fires”.
Online Reporter