EMA warns residents as veld fire regime kicks in
Providence Moyo
BULAWAYO – As the fire season begins, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is imploring the public to exercise caution in order to avoid and contain veld fires that have notoriously proved to be a menace during this period over the years.
Speaking to Community Podium, EMA Manager for Bulawayo, Sthembisiwe Ndlovu said it is imperative for the public to be wary of causing fires and endeavour to steer clear of any foolhardiness whenever fire is involved.
“As we begin the season, it is very important for the public to be cautious of what they do in relation to fire because, over the years, recklessness has been one of the reasons that caused and fueled fires leading to loss of property and at times life,” she said.
Ndlovu also took the opportunity to notify residents that making fires outside their yards during this season constitutes a crime.
Ndlovu urged citizens who own plots and farms to mount fire guards so as to avoid loss of property. She emphasized that the standard 9 metre-fireguard has proved to be effective in fire management.
Furthermore, Ndlovu pleaded with parents to manage their children and protect them during this volatile season. She said, “Children in their innocence, can do damage if left to themselves hence my plea to parents is please keep a watchful hawk’s eye on them during this difficult season.”
Some fires in the city have been attributed to the clearing of land for construction purposes and and stover burning. Ndlovu urged members of the public to desist from burning stover and in stead, put it to good use such as using it as compost.
Matebeleland Institute for Human Rights Coodinator, Khumbulani Maphosa said that even if people start veld fires and manage to escape, they must remember that the veld does not belong to the government or EMA as it is the locals’ veld. Moreover, he said the benefits of intact veld include, but are not limited to provision of pastures for livestock.
“Untouched land has benefits that include provision of pastures for livestock and this is the feed load for the livestock which in turn, is the cultural sense of wealth.It also improves vegetation, fruits and medicinal plants hence the need to prevent veld fires,” he said.
Maphosa stressed that burning of the veld is a disturbing trend in different parts of Matabeleland that includes Robert Sinyoka in Ward 17 of Bulawayo.
According to the law, if a fire breaks out and is managed , the public is still obligated to report the matter within 7 days.
“The Public must know that if a fire breaks out and is managed at local level, they still have to report to the authorities within 7 days and failure to do so is a crime,” said Ndlovu.
In Zimbabwe, the veld fire season starts around 31 July and ends in October or slightly beyond every year.
The Zimbabwe forest Amendment 2019 Bill seeks to enhance the protection of forests from veld fires through the introduction of mandatory sentencing
for offenders.
