NEW: Push for mandatory jail term for starting veld fires

Theseus Shambare in MAZOWE

STAKEHOLDERS have called for a lengthy jail sentence — with no option for a fine — for persons found guilty of starting veld fires.

This is meant to be a deterrent measure to protect the environment.

This came out at a conference on climate change action, which is currently underway in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province.

Currently, the offence attracts a jail term not exceeding 12 months or a fine.

Deputy director responsible for animal production research in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Ms Grace Tambo said livestock farmers are experiencing losses due to rampant veld fires that are experienced in rangeland.

“What we have noted is that veld fires are impacting negatively on livestock production through cattle mortality and the destruction of grazing vegetation.

“To stop this, there is a need for policy review to ensure that those caught on the wrong side of the law get a deterrent jail term,” said Ms Tambo.

Dr Clarice Mudzengi, who is a livestock, wildlife and fisheries lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, believes fines for causing veld fires are not deterrent enough.

“I agree on a jail term and disagree on the fine part. I cannot say the exact length of jail time, but I believe it must be lengthy.

“Remember, we are not talking about just pasture here. Farmers are losing valuable livestock, which is their source of livelihood,” she said.

Livestock and Meat Advisory Council executive administrator Dr Chrispen Sukume believes Government and other stakeholders need to amp up their fire awareness programmes.

“My position is that Government and their partners need to improve and emphasise awareness so that we give people knowledge on the dangers of wildfires and their implications for the environment, like greenhouse emissions,” said Dr Sukume.

Latest statistics from the Environmental Management Agency show that at least 21 dockets have been opened and 67 tickets issued to fire offenders since the beginning of the year, with 3 878 orders issued to farmers and landowners for failing to put fire prevention measures on their properties.