As veld fires continue to cause havoc in the country with thousands of hectares of grazing land being gutted by fire, the North West provincial government has engaged affected farmers and communities to offer assistance.
The MEC of agriculture Desbo Mohono said she had met with mainly farmers in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Bojanala districts to seek better plans on how collectively government and farmers can work together in combatting the veld fires.
‘We need a plan’
“We are aware of the unfortunate recurring incidents of veld fires that have severely affected many farmers across our province. Therefore, we are doing this consultation to see how best we can help each other.
“The government has limited resources to carry the remedial process alone. It is therefore imperative that farmers come on board as we try to develop solutions that will not only assist now but are bound to impact positively in the long term,” he said.
According to the department, the Fire Protection Association of South Africa had recorded 243 veld fire incidents in one district resulting in many livestock dying, and farmers and farmworkers being injured.
Solution-driven approach
According to Mohono, the consultative process was an attempt by the government to bring a solution-driven approach to the fires that are experienced by farmers in the two districts.
“Annually, veld fires result in disastrous losses of natural grazing, animals, and infrastructure and in some instances, loss of human lives. We need thorough preparation so that when veld fire season starts in areas prone to them, we can respond accordingly.”
Mohono said while there has been a recommendation to the national government to declare the two affected districts disaster areas, it was important that a solid collaboration by all stakeholders come into effect.
“We need to be very cautious in our farming areas and motivate everyone around to do so. Farm inhabitants and motorists must continue acting wisely when dealing with open fires and when operating machinery or smoking.
“These fires start small, but they cause a huge damage,” she added.
The long haul
Meanwhile, the department said after the report gathered from the consultative process, and while awaiting the national government state of disaster declaration request, Mohono would engage internally in the department to determine available resources that would relieve the affected farmers.
Mosimanegape Gaasenwe, a farmer in Kagisano Molopo, said although they were desperate for an immediate intervention, thorough work needs to be done for farmers not to have the same experience in the future.
He said they were willing to work with the government to find long-lasting solutions to veld fires.
ALSO READ: ICYMI: Veld fires – lack of action remains a burning issue
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