22 Sep 2013

Shortage of transport has affected efforts to contain veld fires in the Okavango Sub-district. Briefing the disaster committee on September 19, district officer Mr Bakani Mathumo said he had to find out how the situation could be rectified.

A technical officer with the Department of Forestry and Range Resources (DFRR), Mr Benjamin Kesimolotse noted that the veld fires started on September 6 in Chukumuchu, Tsodilo and Samuchima. Mr Kesimolotse said vehicle breakdowns caused the fire-fighting work to stop for two days while the fire continued to ravage the range.

‘’The situation was out of control but we managed to stop the fires around Tsodilo as it is a heritage site,” he said. “Wind is also a factor that spread the fire.” Areas such as Xaodumo, Shaikarawe, Qangwa and other farms had been affected. However, Mr Kesimolotse applauded the Okavango Sub-district for joining hands in fighting the disaster.

He commended the departments of Wildlife and National Parks, District Administration, Ipelegeng, Museum, Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and others who helped to stabilise the situation. A member of the disaster committee, Mr Aleck Mmatli expressed concern about relationships with the Central Transport Organisation (CTO).

He said no CTO representative attended the disaster committee meeting.   Mr Mmatli urged the district officer and the North West District Council to engage the CTO to better manage the fire-fighting effort. ENDS