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Minister Chidarikire

Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
Traditional leaders have expressed concern over veld fires in Mashonaland West resulting in environmental damage and loss of life and property. This comes as a 95-year-old Chegutu man was burnt to death at the weekend in a veld fire that swept through three farms, destroying around 500 hectares.

Mashonaland West Minister of State Faber Chidarikire said chiefs should take steps to reduce veld fires. “The fire season is upon us and we implore our chiefs to take steps in terms of Chapter 15, Section 282(d) of the Constitution to bring to book those who destroy our forests,” said Minister Chidarikire.

“We carry the infamous tag of having the largest areas destroyed by fire in the whole country.” Minister Chidarikire launched a competition which will see chiefs that manage to protect the environment rewarded.

In the Chegutu incident, Adriana Sign of Kufara mine in Ward 23, was trapped by fire while harvesting hacha fruits. Environmental Management Agency public relations officer Mr Munyaradzi Nhariswa confirmed the incident, saying investigations were still underway.

The fire started from Chigaro Farm and spread to Dendera Farm, before it skipped fire guards into Kufara Farm. Chief Chanetsa of Hurungwe called for compulsory early burning of grass before it is dry to control fires.

“Burning of grass whilst it still has moisture ensures that when the dry season comes, fires are easier to control,” he said. “We will not see these runaway fires.” At least 266 820 hectares of land have been destroyed so far in the province, with Hurungwe and Zvimba districts contributing the highest area destroyed by fire.

By Friday last week, more than 81 000ha had been destroyed by fire in Hurungwe district while over 70 000ha had been destroyed in Zvimba. Makonde district had 40 000ha destroyed, Chegutu (33 518ha), Sanyati (14 558ha), while Mhondoro-Ngezi had the least affected area at 6 567ha.

The total area destroyed is less than the same period last year when fires destroyed 339 776ha. A total of 719 fires have been reported so far, compared to 683 during the same period last year. More than 400 000ha have been destroyed by veld fires so far countrywide.

The cause of the fires varies from land clearing for agriculture purposes and suspected hunting expeditions. Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces have the highest incidences and area affected by veld fires annually due to the high average rainfall and good soils for vegetative growth.

Veld fires have claimed the lives of nearly 100 people over the years and destroyed property, with some people having to start all over again. The threat of a punitive fine of $5 000 per every hectare of land destroyed has not deterred people from starting uncontrolled fires. Educational campaigns by the Environmental Management Agency have seen a marginal reduction in fires.

EMA has targeted to reduce veld fires progressively by about 10 percent every year until they reach sustainable levels, but this year has been a setback owing to the above normal rainfall experienced last season.