Creating legacies by protecting Mutare’s ecological assets

Over the years, the city has faced noticeable degradation of its ecological assets

Blessing Chafesuka
From The Town Clerk’s Desk

HELLO there, hope I find you well!
As our city prepares to host the 2025 edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi, Zimbabwe’s premier international tourism exhibition from September 10 to 12, 2025, I wish to draw our attention to a very important issue. That of protecting the city’s ecological assets. Assets such as forests, wetlands, land, soil, plants, animals and the very air we breathe.
Over the years, the city has faced noticeable degradation of its ecological assets. Assets such as the Christmas Pass Range, the defining feature of Mutare have been deforested at unprecedented levels.
Dangamvura Mountain has had its once luscious forests decimated. Wetlands and river systems are under threat from pollution and urban expansion. Land and soil assets destroyed through sand poaching and topsoil theft. Environmental arson, which is one of the leading causes of veldfires in the city, has hampered rejuvenation of forests, risked property losses, and endangered animal and human lives.
Air quality is also compromised by dust from illegal sand poaching, veldfires and illegal gold purification activities in residential areas arising from illegal artisanal mining in and around the city. All these undermine the city’s resilience; heightening its vulnerability to shocks and stresses such as those from climate change and its associated extreme weather phenomena.
The socio-economic costs of continuing on a business as usual trajectory are high.
If Cyclone Idai taught us anything, it is that there is a large human and economic cost to be borne when we do not consider nature in our activities.
The city alone incurred infrastructure losses of up to US$24 million due to Cyclone Idai. The Christmas Pass Range for example, beyond being an ecological asset is a major national economic asset. The road that winds along this scenic view is the one that gives the city its moniker as the “Gateway to the Sea”.
The city has important water infrastructure at the pass. Unchecked deforestation on the Christmas Pass increases the risk of landslides and the damage to road, water and residential infrastructure will lead to disaster.
Council, fully cognisant of past failings, awake to the need for urgent action and committed to transformative ecological management has taken proactive steps to address these challenges.
One of these actions is the setting up of the Urban Resilience Unit, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe. Built on five pillars, namely, Urban Planning and Environment, Resilient Infrastructure and Basic Services, Society and Economy, Disaster Risk Management, and Governance, the Unit aims to capacitate the city to withstand, adapt, and recover from various shocks and stresses, ensuring the well-being of residents and the sustainability of our systems.
Environmentally, the Unit focuses on the city’s ability to manage its ecological assets, respond to natural disasters, and adapt to climate change. Economically, it focuses on maintaining and enhancing economic vitality amidst disruptions. Socially, it ensures equitable access to resources and enhancement of community cohesion.
Institutionally, it strengthens the governance structures that support effective decision-making and resource allocation. The Unit provides strategic vision, technical support, and coordination that enable departments to implement resilience measures effectively.
Averting an ecological disaster in the city calls for unified efforts. Building our city’s resilience requires calls for intentional action. I recognise the immense support of our residents, stakeholders, and partners in our drive to reclaim our ecological glory.
To this end, I am pleased to advise that the city will soon premier a documentary we made in collaboration with various stakeholders showing the imperative need to urgently address ecological challenges in the city.
Together we will protect our ecological legacy for future generations.
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