THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) says it has managed to eradicate the poisonous cactus rosea weed that caused suffering in parts of Matabeleland South last year and threatened livestock production in the region.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
According to the Institute of Development Studies at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), the plant had invaded over 3 000 hectares in Matabeleland South as of September last year, covering Gwanda and Beitbridge and spreading to other semi-arid districts of Bulilima and Insiza.
The plant causes septic wounds if the animals remain untreated.
EMA Matabeleland South education and publicity officer Sithembokuhle Moyo told Southern Eye on Thursday that the deadly plant was now under control.
“Opuntia fulgida is under control and it’s almost gone. We applaud the community for doing their best to get rid of the plant,” Moyo said.
She said communities were also assisting in eliminating the poisonous plant by cutting and burning it. The cactus plant, also known as the devil plant, can kill livestock and people if victims do not get medical attention.
The negative effects of the plant were first exposed by Nust researcher and lecturer, Buhle Francis, who was advocating for biological control.
Senator Sithokozile Mathuthu once requested the government to declare a state of disaster so funds could be released to affected areas.
Meanwhile, Moyo said EMA had started witnessing the spread of veld fires in areas such as Insiza, Matopo and Umzingwane. She encouraged villagers to desist from burning the bush.
Moyo added that there was so much waste generated at household level and encouraged residents to use proper methods of waste disposal.