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Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
Irregular and illegal residential and other developments on wetlands in Harare continue and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has warned that developers face legal action and advised those buying stands to ensure that their developer had the correct environmental impact assessment certificate.
This warning comes after EMA conducted a survey in Harare Metropolitan Province that revealed that human activities, especially housing development, were threatening wetlands. Houses built on wetlands, even if these have been drained, are still highly vulnerable to flooding as the destruction of a wetland is not only illegal, but also does not provide decent building land.
In a statement this week, EMA Harare provincial manager Mr Leon Mutungamiri advised Harare residents to only purchase stands from developers who would have obtained an environmental impact assessment certificate.
“Residents of Harare are advised to take note of any developments in wetlands. Any developments in these sensitive ecosystems should be reported forthwith. Also, the general citizenry of Harare should buy stands from developers who have an environmental impact assessment certificate from EMA. Developments in wetlands should be shunned, “ he said.
Mr Mutungamiri said residents should always safeguard the environment and those caught on the wrong side would be fined up to US$500.
“No person shall, except in accordance with the express written authorisation from EMA, reclaim or drain any wetland, disturb any wetland by drilling or tunnelling in a manner that has or is likely to have an adverse impact on any wetland or adversely affect any animal or plant life therein.”
Wetlands were crucial to people’s lives, and for that reason EMA had rejected no less than 20 applications from developers whose works could negatively impact the environment.
“Wetlands play critical functions, which include 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 the main game changers of human existence.”
He urged Harare residents to unite in preserving wetlands. “We should unite in this drive and take note of the gazetted wetlands in our vicinity that should be protected. Together, we can restore and protect Harare wetlands.
“I urge everyone in Harare Metropolitan to play an active role in preserving our wetlands. Make your environment your pride and responsibility,” he said.
Online Reporter