By Fanuel Chinowaita
Chiadzwa, 7 January 2026 — Alarm has been raised over escalating deforestation in Chiadzwa Ward 30, with traditional leaders warning that unchecked tree cutting for charcoal production is threatening culturally and environmentally significant areas.
Headman Newman Chiadzwa, working with Marange Development Trust director Malvin Mudiwa, late last year approached the Forestry Commission seeking urgent intervention to stop widespread destruction of trees in an area known as Chipindo. The area is regarded as environmentally sensitive and of cultural importance to the local community.
In a formal letter addressed to the Forestry Commission, Headman Chiadzwa said the situation had reached crisis levels.
“There is rampant cutting of trees for the purpose of charcoal,” he wrote. “The perpetrators are local communities and are becoming violent if approached. Our legendary Mupani tree is fast disappearing.”
The headman warned that without immediate action, irreversible environmental damage would occur, undermining local heritage and livelihoods dependent on forest resources.
“Thus we appeal to you for urgent attention,” he said, adding that the community leadership had exhausted local mechanisms to curb the illegal activities.
The Mupani tree, considered symbolic and historically significant in Chiadzwa, has reportedly been heavily targeted as demand for charcoal increases amid economic pressures.
Efforts by The Wasu Post to obtain comment from the Forestry Commission were unsuccessful. Calls and inquiries sent to the commission had not been responded to by the time of publication.
Environmental activists say the situation in Chiadzwa reflects a broader national challenge, where enforcement gaps, poverty and weak monitoring continue to fuel deforestation, particularly in rural communities.
Local leaders are now calling for joint action involving the Forestry Commission, traditional authorities and law enforcement to protect remaining forest cover and prevent further loss.
As of now, no official response or remedial action has been publicly announced by the responsible authorities.