Suburban
Cabinet has considered and approved the proposed National Wetlands Policy and Guidelines which will guide wetlands management in the country.
Suburban Reporter
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday that the policy will facilitate the establishment of institutions and laws for integrated management of wetlands.
The policy and guidelines were presented by chairman of the Enhanced Cabinet Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
“The approved Policy will guide wetlands management for incorporation in development planning by Government, the private sector and development partners, Traditional Leaders, communities and individuals. The Policy will facilitate the establishment of an effective and efficient institutional and legal framework for integrated management, and enhance capacity building within relevant institutions involved in the management of wetlands,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
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.
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.
“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.
“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,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
In a related matter, Cabinet also received an update on the identification and quantification of irregular and dysfunctional settlements which was also presented by VP Chiwenga as chairman of the Enhanced Cabinet Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management.
Cabinet heard that the number of families living in wetlands/irregular settlements stands at 31 257 with Government striving to provide alternative accommodation for the households before the end of this year as the construction of flats is currently underway.
A nationwide verification of settlements currently on land that was not officially acquired is presently in progress with the Ministries of Local Government and Public Works; National Housing and Social Amenities; and Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement undertaking the task. In the northern suburbs of Harare, Glen Forest, Gletywn and the Remainder of Carrick Creagh of Borrowdale Estate are among the affected farms. The affected settlements are earmarked for regularisation.
“The farms are expected to be considered for regularisation, and this will encompass proper layout plans and engineering drawings as well as the resolution of double/multiple allocations. The verification exercise is expected to be completed by November 2021,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The approval of a wetlands policy comes in the wake of numerous disputes in the northern suburbs of Harare particularly in Harare North (Borrowdale, Greystone Park) Harare West (Mabelreign, Ashdown Park, Meyrick Park, Marlborough) and Harare East (Greendale, Newlands and Highlands) where residents are wrangling with certain developers and the City of Harare over the building of houses and commercial buildings on wetlands.
