Tanaka Makuwaza |  6 days ago | top

The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Nokuthula Matsikinyere has called on the ministry of environment to lobby for stiffer penalties on veld-fire offenders. Speaking during the national fire week launch at Compton Farm in Makoni yesterday, Hon Matsikinyere said Manicaland’s rich biodiversity should be protected at all times as she bemoaned the increase in veld fires which in the previous season burnt over 35 000 ha. Speaking at the same event the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu announced that this year the fire season will start from 1 July unlike in previous seasons where it would start on the 31st of July to the 31st of October. He added that this is due to changes in seasons being caused by climate change, further highlighting that it is of essence to protect the environment which is the country’s natural heritage for prosperity. This year’s fire season is running under the theme “Prevent Veld Fires-Protect the Environment, Our Natural Heritage”