The government has issued a warning regarding the likelihood of high veld fires this year, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance among stakeholders to ensure public safety against such fires.
This caution comes in the wake of an El-Nino induced drought that decimated crops and vegetation, resulting in abundant dry matter, thus escalating the risk of fires.
In response to these concerns, the Environment Management Agency (EMA) is implementing various measures to mitigate this threat.
The recent launch of the Midlands Province Fire Week in Somabhula underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts to combat veld fires.
Dr. Edgars Seenza, the Permanent Secretary for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, stressed the importance of collective action across ministries, agencies, local authorities, law enforcement, and the private sector.
He urged all stakeholders to adhere to the national fire strategy and hold accountable those responsible for starting fires through legal channels, including utilizing chiefs’ courts.
The prevalence of irresponsible human behavior has been identified as a significant contributor to fire incidents, prompting calls for the establishment of fire guards and other proactive preventive measures.
Source Newsreportzim.com
