Source: EMA raises alarm over destruction of Harare wetlands – herald
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
HARARE’S wetlands are facing mounting pressure from housing developments and agricultural activities, threatening ecosystems that play a key role in water supply, purification and environmental protection, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has warned.
EMA Harare provincial manager Mr Leon Mutungamiri said increasing human encroachment was degrading wetlands across the metropolitan province despite their importance in sustaining both urban communities and biodiversity.
“Wetlands in Harare Metropolitan Province are under threat from human activities, especially housing development projects as well as agricultural activities,” he said.
Mr Mutungamiri said wetlands performed critical ecological functions, including providing fresh water, filtering pollutants and reducing environmental degradation.
“As you know, wetlands play critical functions, which include providing fresh water for us all, as well as purifying water and filtering waste. Those are some of the functions of wetlands, which we need to protect,” he said.
He expressed concern that wetlands continue to be undervalued and overlooked in development planning, resulting in widespread encroachment and destruction.
Mr Mutungamiri reminded developers and residents that activities affecting wetlands without approval from EMA are illegal.
“According to Section 113 of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], no person shall, except in accordance with express written authorisation from EMA, reclaim or drain any wetland or disturb any wetland that is prohibited,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal developments taking place in wetlands.
“Residents of Harare should take note of any developments in wetlands. Any developments in this sensitive ecosystem should be reported forthwith,” said Mr Mutungamiri.
He also advised prospective home buyers to verify that developers possess a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate before purchasing residential stands.
“If residents want to buy stands from developers, they should make sure these developers have an Environmental Impact Assessment certificate from EMA. Developments in wetlands should be shunned,” he said.
Mr Mutungamiri called on local authorities to place greater emphasis on wetland conservation during urban planning processes, saying councils have a responsibility to protect environmentally sensitive areas when allocating land.
“Local authorities should not underplay wetland management in development planning. They are supposed to consider wetland protection when developing plans and issuing out stands to potential homeowners,” he said.
“As they are planning and issuing out stands, they should leave out these open spaces in Harare. The protection of the environment requires an all-stakeholder approach so that we protect our wetlands.”
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