Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare in VICTORIA FALLS
GOVERNMENT has officially commenced a 90-day suspension of activities across heavily degraded river systems nationwide following the gazetting of Statutory Instrument 91 of 2026 — Civil Protection (Declaration of State of Disaster: Emergency Riverine Ecosystems Rehabilitation) Notice, 2026 — which declares a national state of disaster over Zimbabwe’s riverine ecosystems.
The measure follows a declaration by President Emmerson Mnangagwa of 17 major rivers as disaster zones, triggering an emergency legal framework that places affected waterways under centralised rehabilitation and strict protection measures.
In terms of SI 91 of 2026, Government declared that “a state of disaster exists throughout Zimbabwe with effect from the promulgation of this declaration,” citing severe environmental degradation caused by legal and illegal alluvial mining, riverbed disturbance, siltation and the diversion of natural watercourses.
The statutory instrument establishes a national emergency rehabilitation programme anchored on environmental protection laws and constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to a safe and healthy environment.
The SI empowers the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Riverine Ecosystems Rehabilitation to coordinate and enforce restoration works across all affected river systems.
It also provides for delegated authority, stating that ministerial powers are conferred upon the committee for the duration of the emergency.
Key institutions including the Environmental Management Agency and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority will spearhead implementation alongside other technical Government agencies.
The committee will oversee rehabilitation contracts, ensure compliance and coordinate nationwide restoration efforts.
“This is not business as usual” — Jiri
Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said all non-authorised activities within affected rivers have been halted.
“The declaration means activities within the affected river systems are immediately halted except for operations authorised under the emergency rehabilitation programme,” said Prof Jiri.
“This is not business as usual. Over the next 90 days, the focus is on stabilising river systems, restoring ecosystems and protecting strategic water bodies under serious threat.”
He said priority work includes removal of illegal mining infrastructure and rehabilitation of damaged catchments feeding major dams.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka said the intervention is critical to safeguarding food production and water supplies.
“I am humbled by the President’s bold magnanimity to eliminate this scourge of river degradation from alluvial mining activities,” he said.
He warned that degradation has already affected irrigation and water supply systems.
“Areas near Mazowe and Mwenje dams have reduced winter wheat irrigation due to river disturbance. In Umzingwane, water supply to Bulawayo is threatened, while the Mutare River is choked and diverted,” he said.
Dr Masuka said Government will enforce compliance strictly within the 90-day period through a multi-tier national and provincial structure.
The intervention covers rivers including Mazowe, Save, Sanyati, Munyati, Mupfure, Umzingwane, Insiza, Mutare and Haroni across several provinces.
Rehabilitation works will focus on restoring river channels, stabilising banks, re-vegetating riparian zones, removing illegal mining structures and improving water quality.
Authorities warned that continued degradation threatens dam capacity, irrigation productivity and urban water supply systems, with the emergency programme aimed at restoring ecological integrity and strengthening climate resilience.
