The provincial government of North West reports that attempts to suppress veld fires in the province’s four districts are currently in full swing.
Thursday’s statement read, “The government has established a team of firefighters, environmentalists, and government officials to formulate and implement a plan to respond to the crisis.”
In the past two weeks, terrible veld fires have destroyed nearly 50,000 hectares of grazing area in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality.
In addition to fences, poles, and kraals, the fire damaged six water supplies, including pipes and water tanks.
According to the provincial authority, the fast-moving wildfire also destroyed livestock.
According to the SABC News, vast portions of the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and sections of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality have been ravaged by flames for over a week.
Currently, the provincial administration is constructing firebreaks in high-risk areas, while firefighters are on the ground in numerous province regions.
“District municipalities have been requested for additional firefighting resources, including trucks and people, in order to combat the blaze.”
In the meantime, a joint-operations centre has been established to coordinate the deployment of resources to veld fire-affected regions. Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, Working on Fire, North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association, and Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality are involved in this operation.
Premier of the North West Kaobitsa Bushy Maape stated that the government is working around the clock to restore order.
“We are working diligently to gain control of the issue. We have deployed government personnel in various regions of the province to cope with this problem, and they are working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders to promptly respond to this natural disaster,” added Maape.
He has also urged locals to refrain from lighting open fires.
“Residents are cautioned against setting open fires. The destruction could result in the loss of life. The current veld fires have caused property destruction. It may take long for some farmers to recover from this disaster,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
In the interim, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism will also deploy environmental professionals to evaluate sites with a high level of biodiversity sensitivity.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is caring for injured animals in the meantime.