DA urges MEC for agriculture to declare fire-ravaged areas in the Lowveld disaster zones
Some landowners’ property and livestock grazing were lost because of the recent fires, and declaring these a disaster area would unlock aid to those who have been affected.
The fires that had been raging across various regions in the Lowveld and Highveld are under control, according to the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association’s (Lefpa) manager, André Scheepers.
Meanwhile, the provincial DA has written to the MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe, requesting that this department (Dardlea) considers declaring the destroyed parts of Mpumalanga disaster areas, as this would unlock aid to landowners and farmers affected by these devastating blazes.
Twelve separate fires flared up across parts of Bushbuckridge, White River, Mbombela, Kaapsehoop, Barberton, Lydenburg, Sabie and eManzana, in what is considered one of the worst blazes the Lowveld has ever experienced.
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According to a DA member in the Provincial Legislature, Tersia Marshall, some farmers and landowners in the Lowveld and Highveld areas have lost property and livestock grazing areas because of these blazes and are in need of help. “The DA has requested the department to intervene and the MEC to consider declaring a local state of disaster. The threat posed by these continuous fires to the residents of this province is of grave concern.
“Given the above, we call on the MEC and her department to also detail a provincial response strategy regarding the damaged infrastructure and homes. The cause of the fires has not yet been determined and the exact magnitude of the damage is not yet clear, but it has been reported that over 5 500ha of land had been destroyed,” she said.
Marshall also cautioned the public about starting accidental fires that could lead to disaster. “We are also requesting any kind of assistance for the firefighters who are still on the scenes, ensuring these fires stay contained. The DA extends its deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters who are courageously fighting the fires on the frontline. Their unwavering dedication, incredible bravery and tireless efforts to protect our communities and natural resources do not go unnoticed.”
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Scheepers said they have managed to contain the fires and the firefighters are monitoring the situation on the ground. He insists they will remain on high alert throughout the fire season. “Due to the dry season, we are expecting more fires in some parts of the two regions. We are calling on landowners, commercial forestry entities, farm dwellers and members of the community not to start any open fires, as they might lead to further disaster. If they want to start any fires, they must ask permission to do so.”
Fire emergencies can be reported on 0860 663 473. Dardlea’s spokesperson, Zandile Shabangu, was unavailable for comment at the time of publishing.
