Herald Reporters
Zimbabweans should be responsible enough to safeguard the environment, a senior Government official has said.

Speaking during the launch of the Harare provincial Fire Awareness Campaign yesterday, provincial administrator Mr Alfred Tome hailed this year’s theme.
The awareness campaign was launched under the theme: “Prevent veld fires, protect the environment”.

The programme is run by the Environment Management Agency.
Mr Tome said: “Our wish through this theme is to compel everyone to take stock of his actions and begin to act responsibly towards environmental management and protection from veld fires.”

He advised the public to take caution when starting fires while taking heed of the weather patterns.
“In cases where fire should be used as a tool for pasture management or tick control, it is important that prescribed burning be conducted in an appropriate manner and within the stipulated time frame taking into cognisance the prevailing weather conditions,” he said.

Over 30 000 hectares have been destroyed due to veld fires in the past three years while 40 people have been killed.  Mr Tome advised the public to put fire guards to prevent veld fires.

“I would like to urge all citizens especially farmers to construct standard fire guards as precautionary measure.”
He said Zimbabweans are capable of sustainably managing their natural resources and living harmoniously with nature.