Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
TRADITIONAL leaders in Masvingo province are advocating for stiffer penalties on environmental offenders as a measure to curb veld fire incidents.
Environmental authorities are intensifying awareness of veld fires amid fears that the impact of veld fires may increase this year’s risk due to the biomass accumulated over the summer season.
Engagement meetings held in Masvingo Province this weekend encouraged communities to strengthen prevention systems against veld fire incidents.
“This season we received lots of rain and there is a lot of biomass in our areas. As traditional leaders we are concerned about the impact of veld fires on community development hence we are going to lead awareness campaigns at the same time ensuring stiffer penalties for those found guilty of starting veld fires,” Chief Gutu said.
“As Gutu Rural District Council, we are actively involved in the fight against veld fires in the upcoming season. We are going to work with communities and all relevant stakeholders to ensure communities are capacitated to reduce fire incidents. We have got our workforce already in communities and a standby fire tender we acquired through government support hence we say we are ready to ensure reduction of fire incidents that may lead to human life loss in communities,” Councillor Charles Mannie said
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) says they are ready to partner with communities in ensuring reduction of fire incidents in line with NDS 1 targets.
“We have started engaging communities to find ways in reducing fire incidents in communities in line with the NDS1 targets of reducing hectrage burnt by 10% every season. This season we are concerned about the huge biomass due to a lot of rains that were received. However, we have started engaging farmers and the community at large to prioritize programmes such as hay bailing, construction of fire guides and involvement in training on veld fires. In Masvingo, Gutu district and Masvingo are at high risk hence intensified awareness campaigns in those areas,” EMA Masvingo Provincial Manager, Mr Milton Muusha said.
In 2024, in Masvingo province 19 210 hectares were burnt through veld fires and according to national fire predictions for the 2025 season, Masvingo Province is under low to high risk.
