Melinda Kusemachibi
Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) is reportedly allocating stands on wetlands which are declared no go areas for any construction activities.
Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BIRRA) acting secretary Mark Mutengani confirmed this and said for years council has been allocating stands on wetlands.
“Yes I can confirm that Bikita RDC is allocating stands on wetlands at Mushanduri Business Centre. This is health hazard to community since the wetlands spill water into Mujiche River which is a major source of water for domestic and animal use. Mujiche River is threatened and disaster is looming. The allocation of stands in wetlands is not only done at Mushanduri but the same is done at Makuvaza Business Centre,” said Mutengani.
He also added that there are also houses built on wetlands including Duma locations where residential stands were allocated.
“We have also houses built on such lands in Duma location where residents struggle to reach their houses especially during the rainy season. Only last year over eight stands were again squeezed on another wetland for residential use in Duma and those were allocated to council staff, relatives and friends. The level of abuse and lack of respect for the law is surprising. Community tried to advise our council in their different portfolios, but our council staff is arrogant and adamant to respect community voices,” he added.
One resident who spoke on condition of anonymity concurred with Mutengani as she said council has for the past years allocated stands on wetlands.
“Yes I am one of the residents whose house was allocated on wetlands in Duma location and council has been doing that over the past years. Government had said that wetlands are no go areas but council is allocating stands on wetlands,” said the resident.
Contacted for comment Bikita RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Chibhi said they only received a complaint on Mushanduri and they are attending to the issue.
“We received a complaint on Mushanduri stands. Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and RDC are attending to the complaint and the issue is receiving urgent attention,” said Chibhi.
Social Economic Action chairperson Tendai Mafuka urged residents to reject being allocated stands on wetlands.
“We need to teach our communities about wetlands and the dangers of building on such areas showing them practical examples. If they are equipped with knowledge, they will be in a better position in case council offers some stands on wet areas, to then reject or even call the responsible authorities because most innocent people are being victims of the negligence or greediness of guys from council.
“Environmental laws should be embraced, wetlands are disappearing and their vitality being compromised as they peg stands on wetlands, when the unfortunate happens they then try to address the issue. I think the policing system needs to be balanced as well because looking at it from an environmental perspective, it’s lagging behind especially looking at Urban Development Policies,” said Mafuka.
She also added that residents should not blame the responsible authority when they face demolition.
“Everyone who settles on wetlands should not blame government on modalities when they face demolitions. However, they should be very careful on who offers them the space, therefore in this case the unlawful development should be prohibited by the responsible authorities,” she added.
Increased threats of climate change are critical to the protection of Wetlands which is critical to the survival of ecosystem and water sources.
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) said the wetland sites in Zimbabwe are protected by the laws of Environmental Management Act (EMA) (section 73 of the constitution).
