Andrew
Online Reporter
EIGHTEEN people lost their lives in uncontrolled fires that have also burnt 1,2 million hectares so far this year, a Cabinet Minister has said.
The area affected represents an increase of 58,6 percent from the same period a year ago.
Overall, 5 386 fire incidences have been recorded to date.
Among the most affected areas are A1 and A2 resettlement areas, protected areas such as safaris, national parks and gazetted forests.
Government has since come up with a raft of measures to manage uncontrolled fires, which include enforcing stiffer penalties for offenders and setting up teams for fire audits and prosecution.
Traditional leaders are expected to play a prominent role in the implementation of these strategies.
Addressing Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said: “Cabinet has resolved to strengthen implementation of the following strategies to manage veld fires: the Environmental Forestry Commission to immediately conduct fire-fighting refresher courses in Rural District Councils, (and) establishment of rapid response teams in all villages and wards across the country.”
Government also plans to acquire modern fire-fighting equipment in the medium to long term, while Temporary Deposit Accounts in districts and provinces will be replenished with petty cash for prompt response to disasters using the country’s decentralised Civil Protection structures.
In October, 10 people were burnt to death at a farm in Esigodini, Matabeleland South province, when they were trapped in a mountainous area while fighting a raging fire.
Online Reporter