City engages stakeholders to formulate environmental policy

Ivan Zhakata Suburban Reporter

THE City of Harare in collaboration with the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), has initiated a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process to develop a robust Environmental and Climate Policy.

The move aims to address the pressing environmental challenges that have plagued the capital city.

The consultation process commenced in Borrowdale last week, marking the first step in a two-week engagement that will cover all wards within Harare.

Mr Lisben Chipfunde, head of the City’s Environmental and Management Unit said there was an urgent need for such a policy, citing the increasing severity of climate-related issues, such as flooding in areas like Budiriro and Waterfalls.

“The policy will address a wide range of environmental concerns, including climate change, water management, waste disposal, and wetland conservation,” he said.

Mr Shadreck Tondori, national coordinator of the Zimbabwe Homeless People’s Federation, expressed deep concern over the rapid degradation of wetlands due to excessive borehole drilling and rampant construction.

“Drilling of many boreholes and construction of houses has led to the depletion of our wetlands,” said Mr Tondori.

He also pointed out the proliferation of illegal dumping sites in suburbs such as Hatcliffe Extension and along Harare Drive.

The programme will run for two weeks and the teams will visit all wards in Harare.

By involving the community in the policy formulation process, the City of Harare aims to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the city and its residents.

The stakeholder engagements aimed at formulating the Environment and Climate policy continued this week with another meeting held with Highfield residents at CJ Hall in the suburb on Monday.

City Environment Managing Unit Acting Head, Alfred Muriya said there is a need for an environmental and climate policy that will monitor the City’s activities affecting the climate and environment.

“The policy will help us as a City in keeping our environment safe and controlling activities that lead to climate change and environmental damage,” Mr Muriya said.

Residents raised concerns regarding factors that affect the environment and climate, including the contamination of water sources, sewage bursts, and the burning of waste, which causes air pollution.

One resident, Mrs Mercy Mutowo, expressed concern about the destruction of wetlands by residents.

“People are building houses in wetlands in Ward 24, affecting the environment,” said Mrs. Mutowo.

Residents provided input on the policy formulation, adding that sewage bursts should be repaired within 12 hours.

They suggested house owners should plant trees and lawns in their yards while a strong policy should be developed to protect wetlands.

“Wetlands should be fenced for protection, and no change of use should be allowed in wetlands,” said Mrs Ovationce Zuze.

Another consultative meeting was held with residents at Dzivarasekwa 1 Community Hall on Wednesday last week where residents said the policy should be written in all the country’s official languages so that every resident and ratepayer has an opportunity to understand it.

Dzivarasekwa residents also suggested that once the draft policy has been crafted, the City of Harare should return to residents or residents’ representatives and share the proposed policy to ensure ownership of the final document.

In the meantime, residents said while the municipality works on the environment and climate policy, communities with the support of the council can also embark on stop gap measures to protect the environment.

The residents said these included promoting recycling and clearing of storm water drains.

The Environment and Climate Change policy formulation initiative marks a significant step towards developing a policy that not only addresses current environmental issues but also fosters community involvement in safeguarding Harare’s natural resources.  – Additional Reporting by the City of Harare