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Noah Pito
It never rains but pours for some Hurungwe villagers whose homesteads were razed to the ground by veld fires as they will now be fined for not protecting their homesteads from the fires. The veld fires that recently swept across the area claimed three lives at Plot 8 Sholar Park Farm and destroyed at least 70 homesteads, leaving a trail of destruction.
Grain, agricultural inputs, kitchen utensils, bicycles, generators, linen, livestock, furniture and tobacco nurseries went up in smoke as the deadly fire devoured homesteads on the windy September 11 afternoon.
Ms Esther Chitumba (33), her daughter Primrose Chigodora (5) and nephew Samson Chigodora (6) died in a bushy area about 250 metres away from their homestead as they ran away from their fireguard protected homestead.
Environmental Management Agency provincial education and publicity officer, Mr Munyaradzi Nhariswa, said it was unfortunate that the deceased ran away from the safety of a fire guarded homestead.
“The mother ran into the bush holding the children, the homestead was not burnt as it was protected by a fire guard that had been prepared earlier around the house. It is puzzling why they left a protected area,” he said.
The three bodies were later discovered by Chitumba’s husband, Mushamudiki Chigodora (38), as he was returning from their vegetable garden.
Mr Patrick Ngulube of Kapingura Village under Chief Chanetsa wept openly after his newly acquired tractor, which he purchased with proceeds from his tobacco sales three months ago, was reduced to a wreck.
“When l acquired the tractor I sacrificed in order to improve my hectarage, yields and life but all has come to nought. I have nowhere to start from. Zero tillage is the only option now,” said the distraught Ngulube.
Another member of the Ngulube family, Mr Simba Ngulube, lost several thatched houses and property that included grain, bicycles, linen and clothing, among others.
Chief Chanetsa said most of his subjects who fell victim to the inferno had no fireguards around their homesteads,
something he will soon punish them for.
“Despite the fact that they are mourning the loss of their homesteads and property, these people still deserve punishment so that we do not have the same thing happening again.
In most of the areas I have visited following the fires, I have discovered that some of the affected villagers never attempted to team up and fight the fires. How can you just fold your hands and watch the veld fires advancing to destroy your homestead?
“Each and every year EMA advises people to put up fireguards around their homes yet they always defy that. I have since requested for a list of the names of these errant people. I will soon fine them, at least a goat each will do,” charged Chief Chanetsa.
According to the district environmental management officer, Mr Munyaradzi Gandidzanwa, a farmer lost a grinding mill and water pumps to the fires, while another family lost a tonne of cement and seven tonnes of grain.
“Most of the villagers lost blankets, kitchen utensils, grain, and items like solar panels, bicycles and clothing.
We also have cases of other villagers losing tobacco nurseries and livestock,” said Mr Gandidzanwa.
At Birimahwe Primary School, several chalets used by school teachers as kitchens were also razed down by the veld fires.
EMA education and publicity director, Mr Steady Kangata has attributed the spate of veld fires to windy conditions during the week ending September.
He said a total of 157 fire incidences resulting in the destruction of 135 385 hectares were reported in the week ending September 12 mainly due to the windy conditions that increased the destruction by veld fires.
He warned people against starting open fires.
“We are in the fire season which starts on the 31st of July and ends on the 31st of October each year so people should desist from starting open fires,” he said.
Online Reporter