adminA number of residents have started growing crops in open spaces around the city following the fall of the rains.
Every year the city council slashes crops, some at tasselling stage in a bid to discourage the residents from growing crops near stream banks.
A snap survey by Chronicle on Tuesday revealed that residents were planting maize along streams such as along Matsheumhlope River, Mazayi River and on a space in Mpopoma near a stream close to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) station.
In an interview yesterday, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Thaba Moyo said: “The sin of stream bank cultivation is unforgivable and the council’s parks department will continue taking action against those practicing it.”
He said the local authority would continue slashing crops at ever stage and those that were turning a deaf ear to what the council is saying would lose their crops.
“The council is not being harsh but is trying to find ways that will benefit both residents and the environment.
“It is impossible to take away agriculture from black people, as it is part of our culture,’ said Clr Moyo.
He said the practice itself should not clash with environmental laws and that is why they encouraged residents to cultivate their crops where it is legal.
“There are ongoing awareness programmes in all wards headed by councillors that will educate residents on how and where to do their crop cultivation without the council slashing the crops.
“We have put painted stones in all areas where residents usually plough and those will be boundaries marking where they have to start cultivating,” said Clr Moyo.
He also said there were reports that some residents were removing the stones placing them where they wanted and the council was going to continue monitoring and slashing crops for all those who were illegally cultivating.
A North End resident who was found planting maize near a stream said she would get away with it, as the local authority was broke and would not have resources to monitor them.
“I am aware about the council’s by-law on the issue. They also advised us to plant crops like beans and carrots to minimise damage to the environment.
“However, I do not survive on beans, I would rather plant maize,” said the woman who preferred anonymity.
Recently the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) officials said stream bank cultivation and the growing of crops in specified areas was illegal in Zimbabwe.
This was after an outcry by urban farmers who got their tasselling maize crop slashed by local authorities countrywide.
The agency encouraged local authorities to enforce statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 in their areas of jurisdiction, as they are the ones who were usually fined by EMA when people ploughed in such places.
The law embedded in SI 7/2007 says any operation, including cultivation, should be at least 30 metres from the highest flood level of any river, stream or natural waterways.
It also prohibits cultivation on wetlands, hilltops or steep slopes.
The maximum fine for the offence is $500 and repeat offenders may be taken to court for stiffer sentences.
Online Reporter