NEW: Country at high risk of veld fires

Emmanuel Kafe

Most parts of the country are at high to extremely high risk of veld fires this year, and Government has since approved the Veld Fire Management Strategy that is meant to safeguard infrastructure and food security during the forthcoming dry season.

“With a prediction of 89,9 percent of the country being in the high to extreme high fire risk, Cabinet approved the 2021 Fire Season Veld Fire Management Strategy in order to reduce veld fires,” said Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Tuesday.

“The Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland Provinces are at extreme risk, while Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands and Masvingo provinces are at high risks of veld fires.”

Government, she added, has started conducting farm-level fire awareness programmes, which include educating farmers and communities on veld fire management.

“All local authorities are required to come up with plan for veld fire management. There is need for controlled early block burning in State-protected areas and private estates, as well as road servitude grass cutting and maintenance by all road authorities.”