Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Roy Jankielsohn MPL as well as images here and here
Every person residing on a farm knows the fear and anxiety of wind, flames and smoke during the fire season. This year has been particularly harsh as veld fires across the province, fuelled by strong winds, took a huge toll on the Free State’s agricultural sector.
As the agricultural sector is still calculating the final cost caused by the loss of grazing, livestock and infrastructure, it is now time for government to step in to assist with emergency disaster relief.
The DA in the Free State Legislature has consistently requested the provincial government to be prepared for the annual veld fires. We will submit questions to both the MEC’s of Agriculture and Rural Development and Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs to determine their disaster responses to the fires.
The DA expresses our gratitude to the farmers, farm workers, Working On Fire teams and emergency services for their fearless and exhaustive efforts to bring the fires under control under dangerous conditions.