Environment experts say that while EMA was backed by powerful legal acts, it was ineffective because of interference by political big wigs.
Christopher Magadza, a professor at the University of Zimbabwe, said the environmental agency operated in an environment where political interests of a few individuals took precedence.
“There is ignorance on what wetlands are. EMA have since gazetted most of Harare wetlands as protected, but politicians like Minister of Local Government Rural and Urban Development Ignatius Chombo ignore it,” he added.
This comes in the wake of numerous constructions emerging on wetlands across the capital city. A snap survey by The Zimbabwean revealed rampant abuse of wetlands and the environment in general, with no action being taken against perpetrators.
Along Enterprise Road, as one approaches Chisipite Shopping Centre from the city centre, another wetland is being serviced for building purposes.
In Southlea Park behind Granville Cemetery there is a wetland that has become an eyesore as unemployed youths in the area are digging pit sand for sale.
EMA Public Relations Manager, Steady Kangata, said Zimbabwe had vibrant laws and policies aimed at protecting the environment.
“I will investigate the cases you have mentioned and anyone found guilty is either given an order to stop construction or is fined depending on impact assessments,” he said.
Kangata said indiscriminate cutting down of trees, sand extraction above a tonne for commercial purposes without a licence and constructing or building on wetlands were criminal offences regardless of who was engaged in those activities.
“What I want to encourage our citizens is to live in harmony with nature and to follow legal channels of tapping from the environment as future generations will suffer because of our ills,” said Kangata.
One resident of Harare is trying to preserve a wetland along Steppes Road by removing large gum trees which suck up huge amounts of water. With the right management, and by planting the correct plants, it is possible to restore wetlands to their original state, making them attractive and encouraging water to flow again.
Post published in: Environment
The issue of wetlands is of vital importance for Harare as they are the source of the city’s water and therefore it is imperative that we protect and maintain the functioning of these systems. The plans for the Millennium Park on the Borrowdale and Newlands/Gunhill wetlands goes against the ratification of these areas as protected wetlands and will damage a major source of Harare’s water. The Environmental Management Agency needs to take a stronger stance in protecting these areas which by law should not be considered for development.