By Secretary of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Tafadzwa Muguti has said no construction or agricultural activities are allowed in Wetlands.
In a statement, Muguti highlighted that Government will not tolerate any form of wetland invasion.
He added that all boreholes that have been drilled in wetlands shall be destroyed.
“The Secretary of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr Tafadzwa Muguti met with Harare Wetlands Trusts and Harare residents representatives on Tuesday the 14th of March 2023 to discuss the growing invasion of wetlands and illegal water harvesting being facilitated by some council and government officials.
“Members of the public are advised that all wetlands in Harare Metropolitan Province have since been gazetted by the Environmental Management Agency through a Cabinet directive. As such no constructions or agricultural activities are allowed in wetlands. Zimbabwe is a signatory to several global conventions on the protection of wetlands and so as a provincial Government structure we shall not tolerate any form of wetland invasion.
“It has also been noted that water extraction permits are being issued for drilling of boreholes and harvesting of natural spring water in wetlands. There is also a growing concern of local authorities applying for land change of use of wetlands in to commercial and residential stands.”
He further urged, residents to work with EMA in the fight to eradicate the invasion of wetlands.
“Please be advised that no form of development is permitted in wetlands. Those issuing the permits and building in wetlands will both face the full wrath of the law. The Environmental Management Agency has been advised not to issue any full or partial authorisations to developers and local authorities in wetlands.
“Starting from today the 15th of March 2023 all boreholes that have been drilled illegally in wetlands shall be destroyed and equipment confiscated whilst any form of construction in wetlands shall be stopped.
“We urge all residents to join the war against wetland invasions by partnering EMA to erect fences to protect wetlands as well as reporting illegal activities directly to our offices on 0242 762 988,” he said.
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