adminSpeaking at a press conference in Bulawayo last Friday, Environmental Management Agency board chairman, Professor Sheunesu Mupepereki said local authorities should demand an EIA report before approving the exploitation of natural resources for each project in their areas of jurisdiction.
He said all projects to exploit natural resources that do not have EIA reports should be stopped forthwith.
EMA board members conducted a four-day tour in Midlands, Matabeleland South and North last week to assess the state of the environment and offer stakeholders an opportunity to interact with them.
Prof Mupepereki said local authorities and stakeholders should comply with environmental laws to safeguard their environment and livelihoods.
“As a board, we support development, which is done in a sustainable way and guided by environmental laws of Zimbabwe. We therefore urge all local authorities and stakeholders to comply with the environmental laws of the country,” he said.
He said companies involved in exploitation of natural resources should undertake progressive rehabilitation according to their approved Environmental Management Plans, while stakeholders should comply with orders and liaise with EMA, which is in every district.
“If people do not comply, then EMA will call the police to intervene,” said Prof Mupepereki.
He said it is important for the present generation to safeguard the environment not just for their benefit but for future generations as well.
Prof Mupepereki said most mining operations were being undertaken without EIAs, resulting in extensive environmental degradation and pollution.
“According to our assessments during the tour in the three provinces, most mining operations have a very negative impact on the livelihoods and people’s health and safety.
“We are also concerned about limited stakeholder consultation and participation in the mining projects and inadequate effluent and waste management for local authorities,” he said.
Prof Mupepereki however said the board was impressed by the way local authorities and stakeholders were interested in environmental issues.
“We are quite impressed that most local authorities and communities have shown goodwill to work with EMA on environmental issues. We have also seen positive responses to previous orders issued by EMA to rectify environmental problems.
Local authorities, especially the Bulawayo City Council, have also improved their solid waste management, resulting in a clean environment. Their efforts in mobilising resources to correct environmental problems have also improved the environmental situation in their respective areas,” said Prof Mupepereki.
The board toured Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe, Ward 36 in Neta, Mberengwa, Umzingwane River catchment area, Bulawayo and Gwayi-Shangani catchment area.
Online Reporter