Tanaka Chare
The Minister of State for Province Affairs and Devolution, Midlands, Honourable Owen Ncube, called for the need to preserve the environment during the veld fire season, which will commence on 31 July to 31 October annually.
The Midlands province reaffirms its commitment to uphold and bolster environmentally friendly management programs and protocols.
The initiative is guided by the NDS1 pillar on Environmental Protection, Climate Resilience and Natural Resources Management and SDG Goals 13 and 15 on Climate Action and Life on Land.
Hon Ncube urged rural communities to desist from igniting veld fires, as they contribute to a significant loss.
“As the dry, windy winter and spring season approach, l implore rural communities to desist from igniting veld fires.
Statistics show that in 2024, the Midlands province experienced a significant loss of 70,000 hectares of pastures, live, and destruction of property,” he said.
According to the Environmental Management Act, perpetrators of uncontrolled fires will be penalised.
Honourable Ncube went on to emphasise on veld fire free season in the province and gave everyone a responsibility to attain a prosperous and Upper-Middle Income society by 2030, envisioned by His Excellency President Cde Mnangagwa.
“It is therefore a collective responsibility of communities, local authorities, traditional leaders, and government officials to ensure a veld fire-free season for the Midlands province as we seek to improve the livelihoods of our people and attain a prosperous Upper-Middle Income society by 2030.”
On the other hand, the minister has urged all mining entities in the Midlands province to comply with the Mining and Mineral Act, Environmental Management Act, Rural District Councils Act, Urban Councils Act, Town Planning Act, among others.
l urge all mining entities to fully comply with all the acts. Illegal mining has become a driver to environmental degradation, resulting in open pits that pose danger to livestock and the general ambience of our environment”, said the minister.
The mining sector is the mainstream of the Midlands province’s GDP, evidenced by a significant increase in new investment in the sector and technology, which ultimately results in high production and job creation,” he added.
The minister will soon visit all the mining areas to assess compliance with the instructions.
It is the responsibility of mining entities to reclaim land under their jurisdiction by covering open pits and planting trees.
“I will soon visit all mining areas in Midlands Province to assess compliance with this instruction>”
