The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has launched its annual fire-fighting program in Somabula wards 15, 17, and 19 under Chief Bunina, aimed at educating rural communities on veld fire prevention and management.
During the event, Midlands Permanent Secretary, Dr. Edgar Seenza, addressed stakeholders, stressing the importance for farmers and property owners to construct standardized fire guards, approximately 9 meters wide on each side of the boundary. Seenza underscored the necessity for these fire guards to be consistently maintained within the communities.
Oswald Ndlovu, the provincial spokesperson for EMA, revealed that Somabula ward 15 had been particularly affected by veld fires, citing a notable incident in 2022 where a farmer incurred significant losses of farming equipment worth thousands of dollars due to uncontrolled fires.
Ndlovu highlighted ongoing efforts to educate farmers on effective veld fire management strategies aimed at safeguarding properties.
In Zimbabwe the peak fire season typically begins in late July and lasts around 15 weeks.
