The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
Between 2021 and 2022, Manicaland recorded an increase of 35 percent of the land that was burnt by veld fires, Post Business has learnt.
Speaking during the 2023 National Fire Awareness Week launch in Nyazura early this week, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere said the province’s impressive flora and fauna is under threat from veld fires.
“Manicaland Province is the highest producer of timber in the country and the industry contributes significantly to the economy of the nation. The past fire season was not good for the province as we recorded an increase in the area burnt by veld fires due to uncontrolled fires.
“The province recorded 35 250 hectares of land that was burnt, an increase of 35 percent from 2021 when 23 513ha were burnt.
“The increase in the area burnt calls for collective action among stakeholders. Most of these fires have been attributed to human activities such as hunting, smoking out bees and land clearing, among other activities,” said Minister Matsikenyere.
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu implored the nation to guard the environment jealously for the sake of future generations.
“The hectarage being burnt annually in the country has remained high over the past decade, with an average of over one million hectares being burnt each year at national level.
“A total of 7 511 veld fires which burnt 1 753 056ha were recorded nationally in 2022.
“The majority of the veld fires occurred in resettlement areas and protected areas such as safari and national parks. These veld fires resulted in 18 veld fire related deaths being recorded during the fire restriction period.
“Going forward, all efforts are being done to avoid recurrence of similar disasters through training and adequate resourcing of the fire fighters.
“Those in high veld areas such as the Mashonaland provinces as well as the other areas with tall grasses must engage in activities that reduce the amount of the standing grass,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Chiefs Makoni and Chiduku called for stiffer penalties on people who start veld fires.
They said the fines being imposed by the courts are not deterrent enough for would-be offenders.
