Staff Reporter
…as Cabinet approves the National Wetlands Policy
Government has designated all wetlands as unsuitable for settlement; this follows the approval of the proposed National wetlands Policy and Guidelines and the imposition of stiff penalties for the discharged of waste in the wetlands.
Speaking during the 28th Cabinet Press Briefing, Minister Monica Mutsvanga said all wetlands will be designated as unsuitable for settlement as Government seeks to restore all wetlands across the country.
“Government will designate all wetlands as areas that are unsuitable for settlement, gazette all ecologically sensitive wetlands, undertake orderly relocation of people in order to pave way for the rehabilitation of wetlands, and enforce the requirement for Environmental Management Agency certification for any developments in sensitive wetlands,” said Minister Mutsvangwa
Addressing the reckless behaviour by certain companies and individuals that dispose waste in the wetlands are, Government has decided to take stern measures to protect the environment within the wetlands areas.
“There shall be efficient measures for waste management from point of source, with stiff penalties being imposed for the offence of discharging waste into wetlands,” she said.
It was agreed during Cabinet, that the approved Policy will be a guide for wetlands management to be incorporated in development planning by Government, the private sector and development partners, Traditional Leaders, communities and individuals. The Policy will enhance capacity building within relevant institutions involved in the management of wetlands.
Minister Mutsvangwa further revealed that Government will launch learning centres, set up wetlands management institutions and rope-in traditional leaders for the management and protection of wetlands, while also establishing crop and livestock production.
“Government shall establish wetland education centres countrywide, set up functional local wetland management institutions, restore the powers of Traditional Leaders in wetland management, and strengthen legislation to protect various habitats found on wetlands.
“Government will also intensify the development of climate change mitigation measures to safeguard wetlands, establish and develop recreation and eco-tourism facilities for sustainable wetland management, and promote efficient techniques and technologies for crop and livestock production on wetlands where these activities are considered appropriate,” said Mutsvangwa.
She further added saying, “Treasury will avail in tranches the resources required to kick-start the rehabilitation of 20 wetlands, 2 per province, before the onset of the 2021/2022 rainfall season.
Meanwhile in Zimbabwe, wetlands make up around four percent of the country including dams and lakes. But only 21 percent of wetlands are stable, while 18 percent are severely degraded and the 61 percent in between are moderately degraded. Government is on record saying people should not be settled on wetlands as it is both a hazard to people and has adverse ecological effects. The just ended 2020/2021 rainy season, exposed a number of settlements built on wetlands across the country to floods.
