There is a proliferation of companies that illegally draw underground water that they package and sell, a trend that has led to the lowering of the water table.
Because of water shortages, residents across the country have also resorted to digging boreholes and wells.
Speaking at a World Wetlands Day press conference at Kaguvi Building in Harare today, Kasukuwere promised unspecified action against individuals and companies that violate environmental laws on wetlands.
He said there were companies that were drilling boreholes for commercial purposes without municipal and Environmental Management Authority approval.
“We are looking into the issue and we are currently strengthening regulation to monitor the drilling of boreholes, considering the impact of the practice on our wetlands and water table,” he said.
He said residents, with the assistance of EMA and the municipalities, are allowed to drill boreholes for domestic use.
“We cannot sit and watch our reservoirs dry because of the mushrooming of companies that are selling water. The starting point is improved water supplies from Harare City Council, but regardless of our prevailing challenges, we should preserve our wetlands,” he said.
“Anyone sensible cannot claim that they own a wetland. The ministry is going to take a no nonsense approach towards individuals who take environmental issues as a joke,” he said.
Kasukuwere told journalists that there were local leaders who were unilaterally allocating land for construction on wetlands.
“Do you ever ask yourself why that place was not initially utilised for building purposes?” asked Kasukuwere. “I will not allow such madness to prevail. As a ministry we will action and stamp out such practices.”
He, however, said people should be given adequate environmental education before the State can resort to prosecuting them.
Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world on February 2 to celebrate World Wetlands Day. This year’s event will be held under the global theme, “Wetlands and Agriculture- Partners for Growth”.
The theme provides an ideal opportunity to highlight the importance of wetlands in supporting agriculture, since many families are dependent on them as their water source for food security and improved livelihoods.
Post published in: News
But we will seat and encourage the Chinese to build hotels and leisure facilities in wetlands that are critical to keeping water fed to the aquifer. By the way whatever happened to the trees which were planted in Belvedere, next to the national sports stadium by heads of states and other high ranking foreign dignitaries? Who do you think you are fooling, fool?