DA supports call for government veld fire disaster relief in Xariep

Issued by Dr Roy Jankielsohn MPL – Leader of the Opposition in the Free State
04 Aug 2021 in Press Statements

Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Dr Roy Jankielsohn MPL, Leader of the Opposition in the Free State.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Premier of the Free State, Ms Sefora Ntombela, requesting the provincial government in conjunction with the District and Local Governments, to declare areas of Xariep District a local disaster area after devastating veld fires.

On 12 July 2021 large areas of Xariep District in the area of Petrusburg were devastated by run-away veld fires. The Free State Fire Protection Association has indicated that the damage is extensive with 104 000 hectares of veld burnt.

During this fire, 396 farm portions were affected with 35 farms completely burnt, of which 134 farms are 90% burnt and 216 were 50% burnt. There was also massive loss of infrastructure and livestock. The damage is estimated to be around R345 million and the local economy, which is largely agriculture dependent in those areas, has suffered massive setbacks as a result of this.

The Xariep District is the poorest in the Free State with the highest unemployment and requires government intervention to mitigate the effects of the fire.

While large numbers of livestock were lost in the fire, the remaining livestock on affected farms face starvation due to the lack of feed. Other assistance with rebuilding infrastructure is also required.

The Department of Agriculture has funding for farmer support and due to Covid-19 some provincial government programmes are underspending. These funds could be used to assist residents of the province in their hours of great need during disasters that destroy livelihoods and impact greatly on the local economy in some areas.

Our farmers and their employees are national assets who produce the commodities that ensure that we all have food and clothing. The DA hopes that the Free State provincial and local governments are willing to assist our agricultural community in their time of need.