There has been a notable decrease in recorded incidences of veld fires to date in Matebeleland
North with the environmental watch body, Environmental Management Agency recording a 32
percent reduction.
During the fire restriction period, the province lost a total of 112,291.7ha compared to 165,544.5ha
during the same period in 2022 signalling a 32 percent decrease.
The Matebeleland North Province, Environmental Education and Publicity Officer, Mildred Matunga
said although the reduction in veld fire cases is welcome, some districts continue to be a problem.
She noted Hwange followed by Umguza as the two districts which have seen an increase in hectares
destroyed by fires compared to the same period in 2022.
“Hwange has lost 49,874.74ha compared to 44,158.82 in 2022 with Umguza at 22,508.27 compared
to 9,951.10ha in 2022” she said.
Land clearing and hunting remain the leading causes of fires in the province with the majority of the
veld fires occurring in resettlement areas and protected areas such as safari and state forests/parks.
Matunga revealed that veld fires had caused substantial damage in the community.
“A hut was burnt in Ward 23 of Bubi District and property worth USD$275 was destroyed. Livestock
consisting of a donkey and a cow were burnt to death in Ward 8 of Bubi District. The hectares
destroyed constitute a veld that sustains livestock and wildlife. However, it is pleasing to note that
the Province has not recorded any loss of human life to date,” she said.
Meanwhile, collaborations between Agritex and EMA have been established to enhance protection
of agricultural produce (crops and animals) and equipment from veld fires.
“We have scaled up engagements with the traditional leadership as they are the custodians of the
land and natural resources in communal areas. Traditional Leaders will champion the protection of
the environment in their areas of jurisdiction,” she said.
EMA further urged members of the public to take heed of the windy and hot weather conditions
currently being experienced.
“These conditions, when coupled with the dry biomass, exacerbate the spread of fires. Communities
are at the same time called upon to report all fire offenders to law enforcement agencies and ensure
a zero tolerance to veld fires in their areas.”
Meanwhile, a total of 4,165.3kms in the form of fireguards protecting an estimated 80,565 ha of
land were opened up throughout the province. A sum of 4,340 hay bales and 18,588 grass bundles
were harvested in the province as a biomass reduction strategy. A stretch of 414 km of road
servitude was cleared to prevent roadside fires. The Agency issued a total of 144 fire prevention
orders to farmers, land users, owners, occupiers, lessees, and designated Authorities to put in place
standard fire management measures.