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Efforts to contain veld fires across the four districts of the province are currently in full swing. Government has assembled a team of firefighters, environmentalists and government officials to develop and implement a plan to respond to the disaster.

Currently fire breaks are being created in high-risk areas and close to one fire fighters are on the ground in various parts of the province. Additional resources in the form of trucks and manpower have been sought from district municipalities to assist in extinguishing the fire.

A joint-operation center which includes the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Working on Fire, North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association as well as Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has been created to coordinate the deployment of resources to various areas that are affected by veld fires.

Over the past two weeks devastating veld fires destroyed over fifty thousand (50 000) hectares of grazing land in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality. Fence lines, poles, kraals, six (6) water sources such as pipes and water tanks were damaged by the fire. It is estimated that six (6) cattle as well as one (1) goat and one (1) horse have been killed by the fire, a figure which is yet to be made official once an assessment has been completed.

Premier of the North West Kaobitsa Bushy Maape says government is working around the clock to normalize the situation.

“We are working hard to bring the situation under control. We have deployed officials of government in various parts of the province to deal with this situation and they are working hand in glove with other stakeholders to respond swiftly to this disaster” remarked Premier Maape.

Premier Maape has also appealed to residents to desist from starting open fires.

“Residents must note the danger of starting open fires. The destruction might come at the cost of human life. The current veld fires have destroyed properties. It might take time before some farmers recover from this calamity” said Premier Maape.

The department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism will also deploy environmental specialists to conduct an assessment of sensitive biodiversity areas. Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – SPCA will look after the injured animals.

Issued by North West Provincial Government