By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Chief of Lower Niumi, George L. Sonko, has called on communities to adopt a robust anti-bushfire stance following a destructive fire outbreak between Samba Kala and NdunguKebbeh.
Chief Sonko also made a passionate call on the masses to lend hands to the ongoing anti-bushfire campaign, reiterating his zero-tolerance posture towards bushfires in his area.
Speaking in an interview with this reporter, the Lower Niumichief called for concerted efforts against bushfires and other illegal activities that endanger the forest cover.
He appealed to communities to be vigilant and report to the nearest local authorities and forest wardens any activity that can jeopardize the fauna and flora.
Chief Sonko explained to this reporter that he received reports that some of the illegal activities in the forests and bushes were normally carried out between the ungodly hours of 2 am and 4 am.
Meanwhile, he called on cashew farmers to create fire belts around their farms to prevent fire disasters, noting that preserving forests and farmlands against bushfires would contribute to promoting restoration and availability of grazing areas for livestock.
Chief Sonko thanked the government for its “unflinching commitment” to the anti-bushfire campaign aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
He challenged village Alkalolu and gardeners to support the clarion call against bushfires.
