News / National
EMA urges public to stop veld fires
24 May 2017 at 19:40hrs | Views
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Mashonaland Central launched a fire awareness start for 2017 in Muzarabani district on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering at the launch Minister of State Advocate Martin Dinha implored the crowd at Munhenga primary school in Centenary to stop veld fires.
"We are urging members of the public to stop veld fires destroys the nation; hence those who start veld fires will be punished by paying a fine of $500 failure to do so results in a custodial sentence," he said.
Mashonaland central is third in the country in the spread of veld fires, and people have been urged to put fire-guards, which are nine metres long in a bid to kerb the trend.
Statics revealed that in 2015 about 200 006 hectares of land were destroyed by veld fires and 118 218 hectares in 2016.
The Environmental Management Agency provincial manager Robert Rwafa showed gratitude to Chief Chiweshe whom he praised for furnishing those that destroy the environment.
"We are grateful of Chief Chiweshe who does not take anything to chance whenever there is the violation of environmental factors he punishes the victims by giving them community service like brick moulding," said Rwafa.
This year's launch was held under the theme "Veld Fire Prevention My Responsibly" and the fire season starts on 1 July to 31st of October.
Addressing the gathering at the launch Minister of State Advocate Martin Dinha implored the crowd at Munhenga primary school in Centenary to stop veld fires.
"We are urging members of the public to stop veld fires destroys the nation; hence those who start veld fires will be punished by paying a fine of $500 failure to do so results in a custodial sentence," he said.
Mashonaland central is third in the country in the spread of veld fires, and people have been urged to put fire-guards, which are nine metres long in a bid to kerb the trend.
Statics revealed that in 2015 about 200 006 hectares of land were destroyed by veld fires and 118 218 hectares in 2016.
The Environmental Management Agency provincial manager Robert Rwafa showed gratitude to Chief Chiweshe whom he praised for furnishing those that destroy the environment.
"We are grateful of Chief Chiweshe who does not take anything to chance whenever there is the violation of environmental factors he punishes the victims by giving them community service like brick moulding," said Rwafa.
This year's launch was held under the theme "Veld Fire Prevention My Responsibly" and the fire season starts on 1 July to 31st of October.
Source - Byo24News