veld fires destroying sacred places, says Chief Zvimba

agencies should work together to ensure zero tolerance to uncontrolled fires, Chief Zvimba has said.
Speaking at the provincial fire week launch at Nyapi Farm in the Zvimba area of Mashonaland West province on Friday, Chief Zvimba said uncontrolled fires that led to loss of at least four lives in the province had led to the disruption of traditional rituals at sacred places such as Nyakasikana.
“There has been a lot of destruction caused by fires and as traditional leaders we are worried when these fires disturb our traditional rites at places such as Nyakasikana and more should be done to achieve zero cases of fires in the country,” he said.
He, however, noted that there was a decline in the cases in his area as traditional leaders were working closely with the Environmental Management Agency to prevent the spread of fires and bring to book the culprits.
Guest of honour provincial administrator, Mr Christopher Shumba, said EMA should work closely with local authorities, traditional leaders and the police to reverse the scourge of veld fires.
“I am therefore urging all stakeholders to be on high alert, fight fires and reverse the record. EMA, ZRP, traditional leaders, local authorities and councillors must work towards taking stern measures against violators of environmental legislation to reduce the environmental offences including the issue of veld fires,” he said.
At least four people died in Mashonaland West province last year in more than 750 fire incidences that destroyed 251 039 hectares of land.
EMA has been conducting awareness campaigns across the province urging people to construct fireguards and demonstrating cheaper ways of constructing them.