Zambia: Chintongo Ward Councilor in Namwala District, Mutinta Kumbe, has cautioned Fishermen not to use fire blazes as light sources. Some fishermen in the area have been known to use these fires to see while they are navigating the waters during fishing.
The ward councilor has asserted that this is a dangerous habit and that the people, as well as surrounding areas of the community, can get hurt. The fire can even cause destruction around the area which can lead to financial and physical losses.
Expanding upon his view, the Ward Counsellor talked about the problems that he has seen in the community. According to government officials, the tendency has led to bushfires on land surrounding water bodies.
After these bushfires, the volume of pastures in the region was reduced, which led to the problem affecting livestock. The situation can also lead to many other situations within the community. Cattle management will also become more challenging for people.
Talking about the situation, he stated his concerns about the challenges posed by this situation. He fears that the situation may also lead to stock theft among the communities.
He reasoned that due to the reduced pastures in the community animals will be compelled to cover long distances in search of pastures elsewhere. The situation will also lead to a significant impact on the environment as bushfires lead to significant emissions of greenhouse gases.
In line with this, other district authorities have also come forward in support of the ward counselor and called on the people to follow his advice.
Meanwhile, Chief Nalubamba’s Representative, Joseph Mwanambulo, has called on Headmen from various chiefdoms in Namwala to be more vigilant on forest preservation. Protection of forest covers is a significant mandate for the people of the country to follow.
Mwanambulo suggests that people behind such acts should be given stiff punishment in order to deter others from committing similar offenses.
The authorities believe that the reduction in such activities will help the people of the country remain safer.