Harare Wetlands Loss: Development Impact
- As Zimbabwe prepares to host the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the country is under scrutiny for its alarming rate of wetland destruction.Conservationists are raising concerns about questionable land...
- In Borrowdale, Harare, a real estate investment company, Vifot Investments, plans to build 130 homes and 20 office blocks on a wetland.
- Roger Fairlie, founder of the Greystone Nature Reserve, emphasizes the urgent need to protect wetlands from unchecked development.
Zimbabwe faces mounting criticism for its wetland destruction while preparing to host the Ramsar Convention, a global summit on wetland protection. Construction projects, like Vifot Investments’ housing development, are approved despite environmental concerns, leading to the rapid decline of Harare’s wetlands. The city has already lost 50% of its wetlands between 2007 and 2019, causing increased flooding and water scarcity—a situation detailed by News Directory 3. Discovering the impact of unchecked development on Harare’s vital ecosystems, is paramount.What steps will be taken to safeguard the remaining wetlands? Discover what’s next.
Zimbabwe Wetland Destruction Raises Concerns Ahead of Global Summit
As Zimbabwe prepares to host the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the country is under scrutiny for its alarming rate of wetland destruction.Conservationists are raising concerns about questionable land deals and ignored environmental regulations, particularly regarding large-scale construction projects. This destruction of wetlands, vital for flood control and water supply, is happening despite the nation’s strong environmental laws.
In Borrowdale, Harare, a real estate investment company, Vifot Investments, plans to build 130 homes and 20 office blocks on a wetland. This has sparked outrage among residents and environmentalists. Brian Foster Mawer, a resident of Dandaro Retirement Village, has witnessed the gradual degradation of the wetland over two decades, as land is cultivated for maize. Reuben Akili, director of the Combined Harare Residents Association, notes that this project exemplifies a broader trend of authorities approving construction on wetlands despite warnings.
Robert Mutyasira, chairperson of the Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association, accuses the city of Harare of irresponsibly allocating land.A harare Wetlands Trust analysis revealed a 50% decline in Harare’s wetlands between 2007 and 2019, attributing the loss to cultivation, housing developments, and illegal settlements. the consequences include increased flooding in suburbs like budiriro and Mabvuku.
The situation in Zimbabwe mirrors global trends. Jakarta, Indonesia, faces sinking due to wetland destruction, while Brazil’s Pantanal and Argentina’s Parana Delta are threatened by development. Since 1970, around 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared.
Environmentalists argue that Zimbabwe’s government is enabling destruction that could lead to severe flooding and water shortages. While the country requires consultation with the Environmental Management Agency and an environmental impact assessment for wetland development, enforcement is ofen lax.
in the Vifot Investments case, the Harare Wetlands Trust alleges that authorities approved an environmental impact assessment containing irregularities. They claim Vifot misrepresented the site’s location to bypass regulations. Aaron Chigona,director of the Environmental Management Agency,was arrested in january 2024 for his alleged role in the land deal but was later released without prosecution and retained his position.
Amkela sidange, education and publicity manager for the Environmental Management Agency, maintains that the Vifot project will have minimal impact and includes a nature park. However, Liangming Jin, Vifot’s managing director, contradicted this, stating the company plans to construct residential houses on 14 hectares, not the 5 hectares mentioned by Sidange.
Jin stated he bought the land from the city of Harare. Mayor Jacob Mafume said he was unaware of Vifot’s project but acknowledged the illegal sale of wetlands.He added that his office would rectify any problems arising from granted permissions.
Mutyasira believes the judicial system has failed to protect wetlands. roger Fairlie suggests community involvement is crucial, emphasizing the importance of public understanding of wetland value.
Sidange stated that project approvals require a commitment to environmental protection, and authorities can revoke certifications if this commitment is not upheld.
“Everything from anthills, fig trees and flowers. People took walks there to enjoy the tranquility of the place,” said brian Foster Mawer, a resident of Dandaro retirement Village.
What’s next
As Harare prepares to host the global summit,the destruction of its wetlands continues,exacerbating water shortages and contamination issues. Residents like Mawer,who rely on boreholes,fear that construction projects will further deplete groundwater resources. The future of Harare’s wetlands, and the water security of its residents, hangs in the balance.