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From George Maponga in Masvingo

Government will soon procure fire tenders for distribution to all the country’s 62 districts to curb the spread of veld fires countrywide. Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said at least $250 000 had been set aside to procure fire tenders ahead of the fire season that started last month.Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said this at Mushandike College of Wildlife near Mashava during the handover of certificates to 184 participants in the training of trainers programme in environmental protection and management.

‘’We have started a programme to distribute fire tenders to all the 62 districts in Zimbabwe for a faster and swift response to veld fires in these areas, and we have set aside $250 000 for this programme,’’ she said.

Zimbabwe every year loses thousands of hectares of vegetation through veld fires while in some cases human life has been lost.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri urged communities to erect fire guards to limit the damage to property and environment caused by the scourge of veld fires.

She said those who had received training in the management of the environment should be at the forefront of combating veld fires in their localities.

‘’The end of July marked the beginning of the fire season and the dangers of veld fires to life and property are thus imminent. I urge all those trained to apply the lessons and techniques learnt in your areas, to protect our environment and resources from veld fires.

‘’This is the time to ensure that you construct standard nine (9) metre wide fire guards on either side of a common boundary line, making a total of 18 metres to safeguard your farms and properties. Once in place, ensure that fire guards are thoroughly maintained and kept free from any flammable material in order to break fires and prevent further spreading,’’ Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri added.

She challenged communities to harvest tall grass in their areas and undertake hay baling for commercial purposes.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also said Government has intensified the de-siltation programme countrywide, adding that in Masvingo province de-siltation had already been completed at Chilonga water abstraction point along the Runde River.

The de-siltation at Chilonga is expected to help in the revival of the 300-hectare Chilonga irrigation scheme in Chikombedzi where the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) recently completed installation of new pumps, throwing a lifeline to over 5 000 people in the drought stricken area.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri handed over 12 beehives, 300 quail birds and hundreds of fruit tree seedlings to villagers from Zimuto communal lands to start income generating projects.