Staff Reporter
A TOTAL of 499 344 hectares (ha) of land have been burned by uncontrollable fires since April.
This is according to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism’s Public Relations Officer, Romeo Muyunda, who revealed that a total of 3 million ha were burned in 2021, while a total of 2.4 million ha of land was burned last year. Last year’s veld fires did not only result in the loss of livestock and wildlife, but it also resulted in five people sustaining serious injuries. Three of these people lost their lives.
“Veld fires were recorded in thirteen (13) regions as follows: Kavango East (110 334 ha); Kavango West (815 724 ha); Otjozodjupa (577 926 ha); Zambezi (327 326 ha); Kunene (64 131 ha); Erongo (47 545 ha) Hardap (96 679 ha); Khomas (49 032 ha); Karas (93 579ha); Omaheke (93 579 ha); Oshana (24 ha); Omusati (212 529 ha) and Oshikoto(11 954ha),” Muyunda said.
He further explained that Namibia’s fire season, which is characterized by strong winds, high temperatures, and dry vegetation, starts in April and ends in September. While some parts of the country did not receive sufficient rain this year, he added, there are regions that have a significant fuel load. The ministry, he said, has therefore activated the fire management systems.
“The ministry will be implementing its fire management strategy, which entails fire prevention and suppression activities, community outreach programs, education and awareness as well as stakeholder engagement,” he explained.
Muyunda also revealed that the ministry has been engaged in the development and maintenance of firebreaks prior to the start of the fire season. To this end, he said, 33 kilometres (km) of firebreaks have been cleared across the country, and work is ongoing.
“We further would like to call upon charcoal producers to adhere to charcoal production guidelines developed by the Ministry in 2022. We are also engaged in facilitating early burning in community forests as well as training community members. We recognise that fire can be resourceful, however we want to caution that if not used responsibly fire can be destructive and detrimental to the environment and our wellbeing,” he added.
Muyunda also urged stakeholders to observe fire prevention and suppression guidelines during this fire season. This includes supervising children when using fire, ensuring that fires are completely put out, clearing grass around homesteads, not making fires during strong winds, testing smoke alarms, ensuring electric cords and firefighting equipment are in good and working condition, and using extension cords safely.
“In the event a fire breaks out, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to participate in firefighting and suppression activities. Please report all fire incidents to nearest MEFT office, NAMPOL office, Constituency office, Regional council and town council offices, as well as to the Traditional Authority offices,” Muyunda advised.
File photo for illustrative purposes only.
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