Residents attack wetland invaders

Paidamoyo Bore

CROWBOROUGH residents have vowed to continue their fight to protect wetlands, urging authorities to take action against those who continue to build on them.

The destruction of wetlands is a nationwide issue, with many communities fighting to keep their natural habitats intact.

“People staying in these wetlands are being fooled by land barons,” said a resident.

“It’s not safe because there is a trunk sewer pipe and drainage system where houses are being built.

“Some of these houses are substandard and they do not have toilets.

“They were warned recently by the Environmental Management Agency.

“The Crowborough North Extension Housing chairman was fined when there were only five houses, but now the whole wetland is gone.

“Something should be done to stop these land barons as they are destroying our environment.”

Harare City Council has warned residents against building on wetlands.

“Council has noted with concern the continuous illegal land invasions in various suburbs such as Glen View, Retreat (Harare-Chitungwiza Railway Reservation), Budiriro, Mufakose, Crowborough, Kuwadzana, Tafara/Mabvuku, Kambuzuma, Warren Park, Glen Norah, Mabelreign, Chisipite and The Grange, among other suburbs,” said Council spokesperson Innocent Ruwende.

“Land barons are generating fake allocation letters, receipts and diagrams which they use to dupe unsuspecting home seekers.

“The cases are being referred to the relevant law enforcement agents and the City’s Audit Division for prosecution.

“Council has noted that the land barons are misleading the beneficiaries that once they settle on these unplanned spaces, the City of Harare will regularise the areas.”

Wetlands provide a range of ecosystem services such as habitats for wildlife, reducing soil erosion, purifying water and storing carbon.

Once destroyed, they are unlikely to recover to their original state and the impact on the environment can be significant.