Veld fires wreak havoc

PROPERTY that include irrigation pipes, water tanks, potato seed storage sheds, as well as hectares of flora and fauna have been destroyed by raging veld fires in villages surrounding Troutbeck resort area in Nyanga District since last week.

Parks and wildlife personnel and villagers in some of the affected areas have been battling to put out the fires.

A drive down Sawmills Road in Brackenhill area opposite the popular Troutbeck Inn reveals a sorry sight of burnt pine, gum and wattle trees, while fire is still raging at different plots.

Environmental Management Agency district extension officer Mr Daniel Manzou said since last week, they had received reports of three different veld fires that extensively damaged irrigation equipment, as well as flora and fauna in Nyanga.

“So far we have received reports of veld fires from Matema area that people had been failing to put out since last week,” he said.

“About 700 hectares of gum was destroyed.

“We also received a similar report from Troutbeck area, and while they have managed to put it out in that area, some remnants of it are still visible around Gleneagles area.

“There is also another report from the Kute area where apart from flora and fauna, irrigation equipment was lost during the process.”

Mr Manzou said they were yet to get reports of cottages that were burnt.

“We have not yet received information relating to burnt cottages, but we have a committee on the ground working flat out to ascertain the extent of the damage, as well as carry out campaigns on the need to exercise caution when dealing with fire,” he said.

Nyanga district development officer Trust Mangoma bemoaned the increase in veld fires in the resort area.

“Rampant and reckless fire outbreaks have scorched the beauty of Nyanga,” he said.

“I urge all citizens to be responsible when using fire.

“As we count our losses, we are alive to the benefits of environmental conservation and call for deterrent measures to be meted on the perpetrators.”

Ward development officer for the Troutbeck area Mr Courage Nyakutombwa said their efforts to put out fire are being hampered by lack of equipment.

“Luckily, through our strenuous efforts, we managed to save about four cottages,” he said.

“Troutbeck Primary School as well prevents the fire from heading in the direction to the hotel.

“We have tried engaging several companies that operate here to invest in a small truck that could carry a tank, but none have been willing to assist,” he said.

The recent spate of veld fires has already claimed one life. Ms Evelyn Nyapwere (55) was allegedly caught by an inferno that also destroyed property and vegetation in the Gairezi Range under Chief Tangwena in Nyanga District.