By Beverly Bizeki
In a development that is set to transform operations in Zaka District, the Environmental
Management Agency (EMA) commissioned new district offices and a vehicle in Jerera, Zaka,
to strengthen its operations and improve environmental protection in the district.
EMA board chairperson, Zenzo Nsimbi commissioned the offices and vehicle on November
2, 2026, marking a new chapter in the district.
The development is expected to improve service delivery by bringing environmental
management services closer to communities and strengthening the agency’s capacity to
respond to environmental challenges.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Nsimbi, who stood in for the Minister of
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, said the office’s establishment
reflected Government’s commitment to decentralizing services and strengthening institutions
at the local level.
“The establishment of this office demonstrates Government’s commitment to
decentralization, improved public service delivery and stronger institutional capacity at the
local level. A functional district office, with good workplace and logistical enablers in the
form of a vehicle, will allow the Agency to respond more effectively and efficiently to
environmental challenges, monitor compliance, promote environmental awareness and work
closely with communities, local authorities, traditional leaders, Government departments and
other stakeholders,” said Dr Ndlovu.
He said the development also supported the country’s development priorities under the
National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which runs from 2026 to 2030 and seeks to
accelerate progress towards Vision 2030.
“This is also a timely moment as Zimbabwe is now implementing the National Development
Strategy 2 for the period 2026 to 2030, which seeks to accelerate progress towards Vision
- The strategy emphasises effective institutions, infrastructure development,
professionalism, accountability and people-centred public services. Vision 2030 also
recognises devolution and decentralisation as the means of making Government more
accessible and responsive to communities.
“This Zaka District Office gives practical meaning to these mentioned principles. It reminds
us that good service delivery requires more than policies and laws; it requires functional
institutions, appropriate infrastructure and well-supported employees working through the
whole of government and society approach,” said Dr Ndlovu.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, in a speech read on
his behalf, welcomed the vehicle handover, saying it would improve the agency’s ability to
reach communities in areas with difficult terrain.
“The province has some areas that are not easily accessible; the official handover of vehicles
to the Agency is equally significant. They will enable environmental officers to conduct
inspections, monitor compliance with environmental legislation, respond to environmental
incidents and intensify awareness campaigns, even in communities that are hard to reach.
“As we receive these vehicles, it is important to recognize that they are not merely additions
to the Agency’s fleet, they are essential provincial tools for advancing our national provincial
tools for advancing our national environmental protection agenda,” said Chadzamira.
Speaking at the same event, Chief Ndanga, born Wilson Makono, urged EMA officers to use
the new resources effectively and strengthen engagement with stakeholders in the district.
“I urge EMA workers in the district to utilize the resources availed to maximize engagement
with stakeholders in the district to protect the environment. I am hopeful that with these
resources we are going to ensure maximum protection of the environment.” Said Ndanga.
