30 Aug 2017

Maun Administration Authority (MAA) chairperson, Mr Mmoedi Modiegi has encouraged the leadership to sensitise the public on veld fires that cause destruction in their areas.

Briefing MAA councillors during the ongoing council session, Mr Modiegi said the district had experienced 19 incidents of veld fires between January and June this year.

Mr Modiegi observed that veld fires mainly affected Semboyo, Bothatogo, Sehithwa and Tsau in the Ngami constituency.

He said about 27 687 hectares of land had been destroyed and that a cattle crush, water tank, water engine and electric pipes which belonged to a Bothatogo farmer and Semboyo farmers’ kraal had been destroyed.

Mr Modiegi expressed sympathy to the affected farmers.

He advised communities to be aware of firebreaks and measures to employ, especially during the hot and dry season.

For his part, Semboyo/Makakung councillor, Mr Gaokgakala Letswee said veld fires had affected some farmers in his area and wiped out their livestock.

Cllr Letswee complained that the department responsible for firebreaks was inactive.

He argued that the department should always be prepared as a result of veld fires.

He also wanted to know whether affected farmers would be compensated since veld fires were a natural disaster.

Sehithwa councillor, Mr Maitiro Segosebe also said bush fires occurred annually therefore the responsible department should be prepared.

Mr Segosebe said it was necessary to maintain firebreaks regularly to contain and manage fires during outbreaks. ENDS