Climate/Environment

Veldfire season ends

MILLICENT HUNGWE

The country has recorded 925 139.9 hectares that have been burnt from 4 355 fire incidents reported since the beginning of the fire season.

This represents 19.28% increase in land loss compared to the same period in 2023, when 775 617.56 hectares were burnt from 3 154 incidents.

According to Environment Management Agency spokesperson Amkela Sidange, the average area burnt per incident is lower in 2024 (110.16 ha) compared to 2023 (358.46 ha), the continuously high land losses due to veldfires remain a concern.

“Scattered rainfall episodes have contributed to the reduced average area burnt per incident,” she said.

Regrettably, three lives have been lost to veldfires, a 66-year-old woman in Chipinge, Manicaland,  a 71-year-old woman in Mhondoro Ngezi, Mashonaland West, and a 55-year-old disabled man in Makoni, Manicaland Mid-week Watch has learnt.

Sidange added that cumulatively, property losses amount to US$327 472, affecting key economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, plantations, and communication.

To combat veldfires, 25 dockets have been opened for fire-related offenses.

The Agency, working with partners, will continue raising awareness on veldfire management and enforcement.

The country’s fire risk modelling indicates medium (18.6%) to high risk (55.71%) zones, with low risk areas covering 12.42% and extreme risk zones covering 13.27%.

Provinces highly exposed to veldfires include Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland East.

Spokesperson Sidange said, “To protect the environment and agricultural produce, 1,228,681 hay bales have been harvested (protecting 16,584 hectares), and 6,496.5 km of cumulative fireguards have been constructed (protecting 1,500,557 ha).

“Additionally, 208,925 thatch grass bundles have been harvested (protecting 4,629.5 ha), and 1,271 beehives have been set up in woodlands.”

The Mid-week Watch confirmed that Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife are enhancing collaboration to promote sustainable practices, safeguard natural resources, and protect livelihoods while enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience against fires.

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