MBABANE – A national effort to tackle the growing wildfire crisis in Eswatini began on Tuesday, as government officials, civil society, and private sector leaders met at the MVA Conference Centre in Mbabane to shape the country’s first Fire Preparedness and Response Plan.
The meeting, organised by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), follows a sharp rise in wildfires that have devastated homes, farmland, and infrastructure across the country.
Between July and August 2024, Eswatini recorded 866 wildfires, mainly in the Hhohho and Shiselweni regions. The fires destroyed approximately 187,072 hectares of land and caused an estimated E50 million in damages. At least 84 households and 417 individuals were directly affected, with disruptions to power supply, telecommunications, businesses, food reserves, and even sugarcane and beekeeping farms.
NDMA officials said the country now faces a national emergency, not just a seasonal hazard. The aim of the new plan is to strengthen coordination among ministries, state-owned entities, local communities, and non-governmental organisations, which has so far been lacking.
UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin said technology and public education are key to improving how Eswatini predicts and responds to fire outbreaks. He pointed to early warning systems, including artificial intelligence, as potential game changers in fire risk management.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Victor Mahlalela said the new approach would focus more on prevention than reaction. He encouraged all sectors to contribute toward a framework that improves communication and brings all parties to the table.
The fire crisis has exposed deeper vulnerabilities, with household fires also becoming a major concern. On average, 300 household fire incidents are recorded annually, often caused by unattended candles, faulty wiring, arson, and unsafe waste-burning practices. These incidents have led to the destruction of homes, displacement, injuries, and loss of life.
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