CommuTalk Reporter
SOMABULA: Government has launched the Midlands provincial fire week, amid calls for communities to preserve the environment for the benefit of future generations.
Somabhula farmers have meanwhile taken the lead in embracing good environmental practices through preparation of fireguards, as government launched the national fire week at his farm.
Somabula is one area in the Midlands that is most affected by veld fires with famers in the area who practice mostly cattle ranching and animal breeding owning up to 800 hectares of land each.
CommuTalk caught up with a local farmer, Vincent Mhanga who said he believes environmental stewardship is key for development.
“We came at this farm in 1993. Currently we have 450 cattle and several sheep and goats. For these animals to continue breeding we need to take care of the environment. One way to do this is though creation of the fireguards. This is a must for any serious farmer to succeed. Fires destroy the environment but we can minimise such problems if we work together as a community,” Mhanga said.
Stakeholders also spoke strongly against those who cause veld fires.
Stewardship and dominion are critical in keeping our environment. God gave us dominion over the environment. Now we need to take care of it. Some people are good at destroying this environment. We will not tolerate such as EMA,” said EMA Provincial manager Benson Bhasera.
“This previous season we were very lucky to have a bumper harvest. However, we need to be responsible and protect this good harvest. If we are not careful, we can lose this harvest to fire. This will be a great loss since we can avoid this. Let’s stop veld fires,” added Midlands Minister of State and Provincial Affairs Sen Larry Mavhima.
Year in year out, people and animals die, while forests and the environment are destroyed by veld fires.
