MILLICENT HUNGWE
ZAKA – As Zimbabwe enters the critical fire season, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intensified its community engagement efforts by engaging traditional leaders in the fight against veld fires.
EMA started the educational meetings with traditional leaders in Zaka North to reinforce environmental protection measures during a crime awareness campaign at Gumbo Business Centre recently.
Following the official start of the fire season on July 31, these awareness campaigns aim to curb the rampant use of uncontrolled fires and promote sustainable environmental practices in rural communities.
Speaking during the awareness session, EMA Zaka District Environmental Officer Munyaradzi Murambwa urged traditional leaders, chiefs, headmen, and village heads, to act as environmental stewards by educating their communities on the dangers of veld fires and the importance of observing environmental laws, including the EMA Act.
“All headmen must become the watchful eyes of their communities,” said Murambwa.
Farmers must be discouraged from using fire to clear land. Such practices are reckless and pose a threat to life, property, and biodiversity.
Murambwa also reminded attendees that stream bank cultivation is strictly prohibited, as it contributes to land degradation and disrupts natural ecosystems.
In the event of a fire outbreak, EMA emphasized that all incidents must be reported within seven days, including details such as the name of the affected area, the extent of damage in hectares, and the nature of losses.
This enables EMA to respond promptly and carry out proper assessments.
The meeting was welcomed by local traditional leaders, who pledged to spread the message to their communities and support the implementation of fire prevention measures.
In his vote of thanks remarks, Chief Ndanga highlighted that anyone who refuses to take part in stopping fires on their land will face punishment, as the community must work together to fight veld fires.
