Workshop identifies fire as a looming threat

Addressing the workshop participants, the Chief Technical Officer at the Department of Forestry and Range Resources (DFRR), Wakgotla Paledi described veldt fires as a looming threat to Ngamiland's abundant natural resources.Paledi said the fires annually scorch resource areas such as Chukumuchu, Nxau-Nxau, Tsodilo Hills, Khwai village near Moremi Game reserve, Nxai Pan and the Makgadikgadi National Parks.Farm land like the Hainaveld and residential land across the district are not spared by these fires either, he said. Paledi said more than three million hectares was burnt in Ngamiland, a figure he said makes up 34 percent of the total area of the district. He said Ngamiland, Central and Ghanzi districts are leading in veldt fire occurrences in Botswana.