23 Jun 2022

Communities should be prepared to be the first responders as fires continue to rage and parch the Okavango Sub-district.

Member of Parliament for Okavango, Mr Kenny Kapinga made the call at the opening of the second phase of prescribed burning training in Shakawe on Tuesday.

The training was organised by the Department of Forestry and Range Resources in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Mr Kapinga expressed concern about some incidences of wildfires, which tend to be common in the area and continue to endanger lives as well as natural resources such as river, wild animals, hence the training of community members to equip them to act fast as first responders in fire emergencies.

“It is upon the community to be committed to suppress fires that erupt in their area,” he said.

The second phase of prescribed burning training was organised for communities near the border,  which include Nxauxau, Kaputura, Kauxwi, Ngibitama, Xaree and Samochima.

He encouraged trainees to use information they acquired and share it with other community members.

He also said Botswana was party to international climate change agreements, therefore, committed to reducing climate change effects.

“Climate change is a serious concern as its effects are felt across the world.

Some parts of the world experience heavy floods while some experience dryness,” he added.

Again, Mr Kapinga observed that one of the causes of climate change was emissions of gas resulting from various kinds of fires.

Earlier in his welcome remarks Kgosi Simon Kambango of Kauxwi also urged trainees, who included dikgosi, to take the training seriously and impart the knowledge to fellow community members given that fires endangered human lives and wildlife.

Mabapi Fire College managing director, Mr Maitumelo Mafoko said the first phase of the training, which took place last year, was meant to create awareness and share views on fire fighting.

Mr Mafoko said the second phase encompassed practical work on fire suppression techniques.

“With such knowledge, human lives, wildlife and the environment will be protected from fires,” he said. ENDS