Chantelle T Muzanenhamo
Harare-As the rainy season approaches, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued a strong warning to Harare residents against engaging in urban agriculture in wetlands and near water bodies. This call to action aims to prevent environmental degradation and mitigate the risk of flooding.
In a statement released yesterday, Mr. Leon Mutungamiri, the EMA Harare provincial manager, emphasised the importance of conserving wetlands in accordance with the Environmental Management Act.
“No person shall, except following the express written authorisation from EMA, reclaim or drain any wetland, or disturb any wetland by drilling or tunneling in a manner that has or is likely to hurt any wetland or adversely affect any animal or plant life therein,” he stated.
Mr. Mutungamiri highlighted the threats posed to wetlands in the Harare Metropolitan Province, particularly from increasing construction activities and peri-urban agricultural practices as the farming season begins.
He underscored the vital role wetlands play in filtering and purifying water, as well as providing habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
“Keeping wetlands is a good initiative, it is a way of preserving our environment and ensuring that our community has access to clean water. If we destroy our wetlands, we risk losing these benefits and facing serious environmental consequences,” he warned.
He further stressed the community’s responsibility in protecting these ecosystems for future generations.
“It is not just about the environment, it is also about our health and well-being,” he added
Mr. Mutungamiri cautioned that construction on wetlands could lead to disastrous outcomes, describing it as “a ticking time bomb” that threatens both the environment and the community.
“When we build on wetlands, we disrupt the natural water flow and destroy the habitats of plants and animals that depend on these ecosystems. This can lead to flooding, erosion, and water pollution, which can have serious impacts on human health and the environment,” He explained.
To ensure responsible development, he urged developers to obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate from EMA before commencing any construction activities.
“Developments on wetlands are prohibited. Developers embarking on construction activities should only do so after acquiring an Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate from EMA,” he stated.
Mr. Mutungamiri further called for a collective effort to restore and protect Harare’s wetlands, urging the community to prioritize long-term environmental sustainability over short-term gains.
“Together we can restore and protect Harare’s wetlands. We need to take a step back and think about the long-term consequences of our actions, rather than just focusing on short-term gains,” he concluded.