Veld fires ravage 30 000ha
AT LEAST 30 180 hectares in Mashonaland East Province were affected by veld fires in August, an official from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has said.
The statistics, which were gathered by EMA from August 1 to August 28 for Mashonaland East Province, show that there is a sharp increase in areas affected by veld fires in August alone, with Chikomba, Seke, Marondera and Goromonzi districts being the most affected.
In a telephone interview with The Herald on Wednesday, Mashonaland East EMA publicity officer Mr Astas Mabwe said farmers in the most affected districts contributed to veld fires in an effort to eradicate tick-borne diseases.
“There is a surge in veld fires in the province,” he said. “The province experienced high deaths of cattle due to tick-borne disease.
“The reports we are getting from farmers suggests that there is some misinformation pertaining to the
- control of the tick, especially in an offence to start a fire outside a Wedza and Chikomba. residential area from July 31 until
“These farmers say they are the first rains, or before October 31 being urged to burn all grass to every year.” control the tick and this could Mr Mabwe said due to the be the major reason in the rise in increase in veld fires, EMA was uncontrolled veld fires.” increasing awareness campaigns
Mr Mabwe said EMA would visit with the worst affected districts the affected areas to investigate the being given urgent priority. root cause of the uncontrolled fires. “We are increasing our awareness
“EMA will, together with relevant meetings and trainings in Government departments, visit major affected districts which these affected areas,” he said. “It is include Seke, Chikomba, Goromonzi and Marondera,” he said. “These are in the top four of the affected districts in the province.”
Mr Mabwe reminded farmers that fireguards are a requirement.
“EMA urges farmers not to start fires and in case a fire has been started, we urge farmers to fight it,” he said. “We also encourage farmers to construct fireguards on time bearing in mind that it is an offence not to construct a fireguard.”