mbulelo smpofu
Thupeyo Muleya, thupeyo.muleya@zimpapers.co.zw
VILLAGERS in Beitbridge district have raised alarm over the rampant cutting down of trees, which they say is depleting pastures, worsening environmental degradation and undermining conservation efforts.
In separate interviews, residents expressed concern over the increasing destruction of grazing land and called on authorities to take stern measures against offenders caught cutting fresh trees for firewood.
Ms Remaketsi Mbedzi, a villager from Malala, said the situation is spiralling out of control and urged communities to take ownership of the problem.
“We are very worried about this practice, especially in areas bordering the town. People are cutting fresh trees in search of firewood, and this is threatening our environment,” she said.
Beitbridge East legislator, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, urged the Beitbridge Rural District Council and the Municipality of Beitbridge to collaborate and address the problem decisively.
“There is a strong need for joint efforts between the Beitbridge RDC and the Municipality. Traditional leaders must also play their part by ensuring no one is allowed to cut down fresh trees,” he said.
“Anyone found transporting fresh trees should face the full wrath of the law and such firewood must be confiscated to discourage offenders.”
A farmer from Tshapfutshe, Mr Oscar Singo, noted that environmental degradation has worsened due to the El Niño-induced drought. He called for greater community education on the long-term risks of tree cutting.
“Authorities and traditional leaders should work together to educate people about these risks. Legislation also needs to be revised to empower relevant departments to implement outreach programmes and deploy monitors at the grassroots level,” he said.
Chief Tshitaudze echoed these sentiments, saying there is a need to strengthen legislation and empower traditional leaders to address the issue.
“The law must be reviewed to criminalise the cutting of fresh trees, with fines that serve as deterrents. This cannot go unchecked. Protecting the environment is critical to minimising the effects of climate change,” he said.
Beitbridge West legislator, Thusani Ndou, called for a collective approach, urging community members to work closely with Government agencies to combat the scourge.
Another resident, Miss Muvhuso Chibi, called for increased public awareness and proactive measures, particularly in areas near urban centres.
“The Forestry Commission must intensify patrols in hotspot areas bordering the town. We need more forestry officers on the ground before the situation worsens,” she said.
Beitbridge RDC chairperson, Councillor Oscar Chiromo, said the local authority is partnering with stakeholders to ensure offenders are brought to book. However, he noted resource constraints as a major challenge.
“We need trained resource monitors, like the mobile rangers under Umguza RDC, who enforce environmental by-laws effectively. Unfortunately, Beitbridge RDC lacks resources to implement such a programme,” he said.
“Most of the pressure on natural resources comes from residents within the Municipality of Beitbridge.”
Beitbridge District Forestry Officer, Mr Zibusiso Ndlovu, revealed that between April and November this year, joint operations with the police and local authorities resulted in 26 arrests for illegal firewood vending, particularly in Beitbridge urban and Lutumba growth point.
“We will be conducting more joint operations during the festive season, as we anticipate increased firewood inflows into towns, business centres and farms,” he said.
