9 huts burnt, 25 000ha lost to veld fires in Midlands

GWERU – At least nine huts were burnt and 25 170 hectares of land were lost to veld fires in the
Midlands province since the start of the 2023 veld fire season.
The fire restriction period started on July 31 and ends on November 30.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Environmental Education and Publicity Officer
Midlands, Oswald Ndlovu said major fire incidences have been recorded in Zvishavane and Shurugwi
were huts, food and household property were reduced to ashes during the inferno.
He said in Zvishavane district, five huts were burnt during a veld fire that occurred in Ward 7,
Mbilashaba under Chief Masunda on September 2.
The fire destroyed 550 hectares and the affected villages include Jonyo, Njese, Pikiri and Ngazimbi.
The villagers lost three bags of maize, groceries, three bags of fertilizer, five bags cement, roofing
material and household property.
“Investigations are still ongoing but the fire is suspected to have been started by a person who was
doing land preparation at his garden,” Ndlovu said.
In Shurugwi district, four huts were also burnt at Chakamanga and Marangarire villages during a veld
fire that occurred on the September 2. Villagers also lost a scotch cart, 17 bags of maize, five bags of
cement, kitchen utensils, building materials and household property. The fire also destroyed 420
hectares of grazing land.
EMA provincial spokesperson encouraged farmers to desist from using fire for land preparation
during the fire season as most of these fires end up getting out of control especially under windy
conditions.
“Community members are reminded that starting a fire outside residential and commercial premises
during the fire restriction period is a punishable offence,” he said.
Ndlovu said EMA, together with law enforcement agencies will be on high alert and those found
violating the law will be prosecuted.
“People should work together in preventing veld fires and report all fire offenders. Let’s join hands
and prevent veld fires for the purposes of protecting the environment, agricultural produce,
household property as well as preventing loss of lives,” he said.