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Mutsawashe Mashandure, Herald Correspondent
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has warned land developers operating without valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificates and building on wetlands that they face the full wrath of the law.
The warning comes ahead of the commemorations of World Wetlands Day on February 2, which will be observed under the theme “Wetlands Action for People and Planet.”
The theme aligns with the global Ramsar Convention’s mission to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
In a statement, EMA spokesperson Ms Amkela Sidange said the agency is committed to protecting wetlands.
“Together with our stakeholders, we will conduct awareness campaigns during the commemoration to educate people on the crucial role wetlands play in our daily lives,” she said.
“Wetlands perform critical functions, including protecting us from floods, droughts, and other disasters; providing food and livelihoods to millions of people; supporting rich biodiversity; and storing more carbon than any other ecosystem. They remain vital to human existence.”
Ms Sidange said Section 113 of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27), as read with Section 20 of Statutory Instrument (SI) 7 of 2007, obliges the conservation of wetlands.
“No person shall, except with the express written authorisation from EMA, reclaim or drain any wetland, or disturb any wetland by drilling or tunnelling in a manner that harms or is likely to harm any wetland or adversely affect any animal or plant life therein,” she stated.
Ms Sidange urged stakeholders to join efforts to keep the environment clean.
“We do not want a scenario like Lake Chivero, where pollution primarily from raw sewage poses significant health risks to humans and animals alike.
“If we work together to keep our wetlands reserved and clean, we can avoid such situations. It is not only EMA’s duty but everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can restore and protect Harare’s wetlands,” she said.
A recent survey in Harare Metropolitan Province revealed that housing developments, like the Greystone Housing Development in Borrowdale, are threatening wetlands.
Online Reporter