Staff Reporter
Zibagwe Rural District Council chief executive officer Farayi Desimond Machaya has called on communities to urgently establish effective veld fire prevention and management systems to safeguard lives and property.
Speaking during a recent full council meeting, Machaya warned that increased vegetation following good rains has heightened the risk of uncontrolled fires across the district.
“Due to the good rains experienced this year, crop fields and increased forest cover are thus posing a high risk of veld and uncontrolled fires,” he said.
Machaya urged communities to adopt proactive measures, including constructing fireguards and organising local firefighting teams to respond quickly to outbreaks.
“Council is hereby encouraging all communities to establish sound veld fire prevention and management mechanisms to prevent loss of life and property. Farmers must now construct fireguards. Furthermore, firefighting teams must also be established,” he said.
Veld fires are a recurring challenge in many rural parts of Zimbabwe, particularly during the dry season, often resulting in destruction of crops, grazing land and infrastructure.
Machaya did not provide statistics on recent fire incidents in the district but emphasised the importance of community preparedness and coordinated action in reducing risks.
The council’s appeal comes as authorities across the country continue to promote fire prevention strategies ahead of peak fire periods, with local communities playing a critical role in early detection and response.
