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Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Chiredzi and Chipinge Rural District Councils have agreed to hold regular joint meetings to discuss rampant deforestation, veld fires and poaching that is affecting the two local authorities.

The two districts share a long border that has earned notoriety for runaway deforestation and poaching blamed on illegal settlers occupying mainly wildlife sanctuaries.

Speaking on the sidelines of an induction workshop for councillors held at Rupangwana Training Centre recently, Chiredzi RDC chair Alderman Edward Matsilele lamented the rampant logging of trees in the Save Valley Conservancy which bisects Chipinge and Chiredzi districts.

“We are delighted that councillors from Chiredzi Rural District Council are undergoing training with regard to our duties as elected officials,” he said.

“Of interest we would like to quickly undertake joint regular meetings with our counterparts from Chipinge District to address the continued destruction of vegetation in Save Valley Conservancy by charcoal and firewood poachers.

“We have also recorded a rise in cases of wildlife poaching and veld fires which in turn is affecting the conservation of wildlife.”

Alderman Matsilele said most of the firewood was being shipped to Checheche Business Centre in Chipinge where it has a lucrative market.

“Firewood is crossing Save River everyday, charcoal is being packed and transported at night. The big hardwoods in Save Valley are being targeted by poachers who are also causing veld fires that have so far destroyed over 20 000 hectares of vegetation,” said Ald Matsilele.

Chiredzi RDC chief executive, Dr Isaac Matsilele also bemoaned the unwarranted cutting of trees which is fuelling desertification across the district.