Senators Push For Moratorium On Allocation Of Stands On Wetlands

Senators have urged the government to immediately stop allocating land designated as wetlands in Harare and other parts of the country, warning that rampant construction is causing irreparable environmental damage.

Moving a motion on the imposition of a moratorium on wetland allocations, Mashonaland West Senator Priscah Mupfumira (ZANU PF) said Zimbabwe must take urgent measures to prevent ecological degradation.

She expressed alarm at the widespread destruction of wetlands in Harare, where residential and commercial properties are being built with local authority approval.

Mupfumira warned that the continued loss of wetlands was increasing the risk of flooding while accelerating biodiversity loss. Said Mupfumira:

“Now, therefore, the House resolves that — the ministries of Local Government and Public Works, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, National Housing and Social Amenities and Environment, Climate and Wildlife, should immediately impose a moratorium on the allocation of land designated as wetlands in Harare and other affected areas of the country.”

Mupfumira also called for the establishment of an inter-ministerial commission of inquiry to investigate how local authorities allocated wetlands to individuals and companies, with a view to taking corrective action.

The motion further proposed that all wetlands be declared ecosystem-sensitive areas to protect them from any form of interference. Said Mupfumira:

“Conversion of wetlands for agricultural urban or industrial development lead to loss of habitat and biodiversity. Pollution also poses significant risks to Zimbabwe’s Ramsar wetlands.

“The risk of pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life. Further, climate change is exacerbating the degradation of wetlands in Zimbabwe.”

Mashonaland East Senator Gerry Gotora backed the motion and pressed Parliament to pass a Wetlands Protection Act. Said Gotora:

“This law would provide a clear framework for protecting wetlands and serve as a reference point for the Traditional Leaders Act.

“Chiefs and village heads should be aware of this Act, and it should be implemented in conjunction with the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and local authorities.”

Chapfudza said the government must enforce environmental laws impartially and hold accountable those who build illegally on wetlands.

He added that, rather than being seen as a nuisance, wetlands should be integrated into urban planning as vital green infrastructure, offering both ecological benefits and public recreational spaces.

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