Heavier penalties for fire starters urged

RUNDU – The Regional Councillor for Rundu Rural-West, Herbert Shixwameni, has urged traditional courts to impose stricter penalties on people found guilty of starting veld fires.

He told the 16th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Hamweyi village that forest fires had destroyed large parts in his constituency. Shixwameni said uncontrolled forest fires had destroyed natural resources such as wood and grass, which forced many people to walk long distances to find it.He called on people in his constituency to identify the culprits in their areas so that they could be punished heavily.He suggested that headmen in the affected areas should ensure that culprits are fined more than two cattle.Shixwameni also urged residents to arrange their own fire-fighting teams instead of waiting for Forestry officials to put out fires.He said forest fires were undoing the good work done by community development projects such as conservancies to alleviate poverty.- NampaShixwameni said uncontrolled forest fires had destroyed natural resources such as wood and grass, which forced many people to walk long distances to find it.He called on people in his constituency to identify the culprits in their areas so that they could be punished heavily.He suggested that headmen in the affected areas should ensure that culprits are fined more than two cattle.Shixwameni also urged residents to arrange their own fire-fighting teams instead of waiting for Forestry officials to put out fires.He said forest fires were undoing the good work done by community development projects such as conservancies to alleviate poverty.- Nampa