Water is a necessity for basic living, the production of energy, tourism, agriculture, forestry and conservation. Managing our water supply in an environmentally friendly way is linked with the alleviation of poverty and measures should be taken not to allow further degradation of this resource.
This issue is covered in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) which state that improved environmental quality should contribute directly to reducing poverty.
To apply these goals in Zimbabwe will require an ambitious look at strategies, focused investment in economic and social infrastructure, more resources and the wider participation of citizens both nationally and internationally. These developments need to happen soon for Zimbabwe to meet the MDG target.
It is critical to protect the environment through the sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
Water is a scarce resource, vulnerable to global factors such as climate change, and regional constraints. The growing demands of the urban population, worsening water pollution, land degradation, the destruction of aquatic ecosystems and the proliferation of invasive weeds in areas such as Lake Chivero, present huge environmental challenges.
The focus of increasing concern is solid, liquid and particulate waste from urbanization and economic activity contaminating the quality of our air, soil, and water quality.
Our health suffers as a result of our water not being treated. The cost of chemicals to keep our water safe is high and they are scarcely found in Zimbabwe.
Point and non-point sources of pollution are the principle factors that impair water quality in the Southern African region. Main point sources are the untreated or partially treated effluents from municipal, industrial and mining waste water discharges. Non-point sources include run-off from small-scale mining operations and agricultural irrigation.
Appropriate monitoring systems need to be established to check the health of aquatic environments and the effects pollution on human health. Adequately equipped laboratories are necessary for monitoring purposes and water quality specialists and environmental engineers are needed.
A vigorous public awareness campaign for improving the understanding of key environmental issues should be undertaken and the government should translate policies into action.
Post published in: Economy