adminSpeaking at the provincial belated World Wetlands Day commemorations at Manhanga Wetland, Khami Prison Farm yesterday, Zimbabwe Prison Services (ZPS) Officer Commanding Matabeleland Region Senior Assistant Commissioner Claydon James Seulah said there was need for concerted efforts in raising public awareness on the proper utilisation and management of wetlands.
“Wetlands are the primary source from which humans derive water and they are a major and critical component of the water cycle that keeps us supplied with water through the recharge of underground water sources.
“Managing water is the responsibility of all of us and without the appropriate management of wetlands there is no water of the right quality and quantity when needed,” he said.
Snr Asst Commissioner Seulah bemoaned the degradation of wetlands that leads to the decline of worldwide access to fresh water.
“It has been noted with great concern over the last few years that there has been marked wetland degradation caused by water pollution through the discharge of raw and partially treated sewage into the wetlands. For example the levels of pollution in Khami Dam call for concerted efforts in addressing the pollution problem,” he said.
Matabeleland North Environmental Management Agency (EMA) manager Mrs Chipo Mpofu Zuze urged communities to come up with projects that protect the wetlands.
“Wetlands continue to support many farmers and other industries like basketry and tourism. It is therefore critical that everyone takes stock of their actions towards wetlands and make sure they do not contribute towards their degradation,” she said.
The commemorations were held under the theme “Wetlands take care of water, let us take care of them”, while the running theme message is “Wetlands take care of water—Protect Them”.
Online Reporter