By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, Zimbabwe, 17 January 2025 – The Wasu Post visited the headwater wetland below the entrance gate of Cecil Kop Nature Reserve, located at Stand 7568 Tiger Kloof in Murambi on Tuesday, where an unidentified developer proposed building cluster houses.
The development faced strong opposition from various local organizations, including the Mutare Rivers Rehabilitation Initiative (MRRI), Manica Youth Assembly, UMRAT, and concerned residents who submitted a petition to the City of Mutare, urging the council to halt the sale of wetlands for development.
Historical documents reveal that on May 25, 2018, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) served the council with order number 0007324, which prohibited any construction on the Arcadia Tigers Kloof wetland.
The order clearly states, “You do not allow any wetland to be constructed on as per section 20 (1) (a) (b) (c) (d) of SI 7 of 2017.” This regulatory framework underscores the legal protection of wetlands within the city.
In response to the community’s concerns, Charles Sadondo from City of Mutare elaborated on the development proposal.
“The proposal is to construct cluster houses within the stand, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will provide guidance on the potential impact that the development may have on the environment,” he stated.
The council emphasized that the stand owner is legally required to perform an Environmental Impact Assessment before any proposed developments can proceed.
Moreover, he noted, “The stand owner is responsible for consulting relevant stakeholders, including residents, regarding the development.”
The City is currently waiting for the EIA report from the stand owner, as it is a critical step in addressing the concerns raised by the community.
While visiting the area with MRRI, The Wasu Post also explored another wetland in Borderview, where local farmer Mr. Chofamba is engaged in extensive commercial agriculture.
According to MRRI representatives, Chofamba was previously charged for unauthorized farming in wetlands, raising serious concerns about environmental compliance.
Additionally, MRRI noted that numerous residents are unlawfully cultivating crops down slopes with inclines of up to 45 degrees within these protected areas.
Lynne James, the founder of MRRI, expressed frustration with the City Council and EMA, asserting, “They are not serious because they allow ongoing destruction of wetlands while simply watching.”
She emphasized the importance of preserving wetlands, warning that ongoing harm would create problems affecting both the current generation and future ones. “Farming in the wetlands drains groundwater and destroys these vital ecosystems completely,” she stated.
The City of Mutare also highlighted its commitment to addressing community concerns through the EIA process.
They remarked, “Concerns raised by the residents will be addressed in the EIA report, which is then submitted to EMA for their approval.”
Furthermore, they assured citizens that the city would enforce the implementation of the EIA report recommendations once finalized.
The Wasu Post and MRRI also surveyed Pointsentia Park at the Max Shopping Centre, which has become neglected by the city council, and examined Natview Mountain, where illegal stone extraction has led to increased soil erosion and the formation of gullies following recent rains.
The resulting environmental degradation poses a serious threat to the surrounding landscape.
In contrast, MRRI has taken proactive steps in areas like Hobhouse, where they have planted numerous trees in efforts to re-green Mutare and combat climate change.
As the city grapples with these pressing environmental issues, MRRI continues to urge both city officials and residents to prioritize the care of their natural surroundings to preserve ecological integrity and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The conflict over the future of Mutare’s wetlands highlights the ongoing struggle between development and environmental conservation in the region.
