By Perpetua Murungweni
As the first major rains hit Masvingo City on Wednesday November 06, the local authority has warned urban dwellers against stream bank cultivation saying the authority will not hesitate to punish those found wanting citing dangers of siltation in supply dam.
A number of people were busy of late preparing small portions of land especially along Mucheke River which is one of the major tributary to Lake Mutirikwi which supplies water to the city.
Masvingo City Council Mayor Alec Tabe told TellZim News that council was not going to hesitate to fine those who will be caught cultivating in the stream banks as that threatens the river with siltation.
“Those that who will be caught carrying cultivating in the stream banks will be fined as stipulated by Council by laws, EMA Act Chapter 20:27, Forestry Commission Act, Parks and Wildlife Act,” said Tabe.
Tabe said council was going to be strict in enforcing the bylaws as stream bank cultivation has effects on both the land and rivers
“Stream bank cultivation causes siltation of rivers and other water bodies. It occurs when soil and sediment are deposited into waterways, causing water to become cloudy and reducing its ability to support aquatic life. It also causes soil erosion reducing soil fertility and increases sedimentation.
“Stream bank cultivation alters natural habitats. There is terrestrial species displacement since cultivation replaces the natural vegetation. Altered water quality and habitat disrupt ecosystems resulting in loss of aquatic species,” said Tabe.
He also said stream bank cultivation impacts on climate and the fines to be paid by offenders will be used to fight against climate change.
“There are increased greenhouse gas emissions, due to fertilizer use and soil degradation. The water cycle is disrupted due to changes in evapotranspiration and runoff and it may also result in climate sensitive crop failures. So there are climate change mitigations that will be put in place and the fines will be channeled towards that,” he said.
He said council was not only going to fine those practicing stream bank cultivation but was also going to educate residents first on the effects of stream bank cultivation through awareness campaigns.
“As council we have a mandate to raise awareness to residents on the adverse effects of stream bank cultivation to the environment as well as to people. Awareness campaigns will also be carried out in collaboration with other Government stakeholders (Environmental Management Agency (EMA), ZRP, Forestry Commission, Parks and wildlife Authority and NGOs).
Residents will be educated about the statutory instruments that are used to enforce the laws against stream bank cultivation,” said Tabe.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) recently warned that Zimbabwe’s biggest inland lakes, Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi were under threat as most dams in the country have been highly affected by siltation.
Urban agriculture if practiced sustainably is of paramount importance as it supports the livelihoods of many, significantly reducing the cost of living for low income earners in the country.
However, in spite of its implications, Masvingo residents continue to defy odds by cultivating crops near streams with some urbanites being accused of damaging sewer infrastructure to water their maize plots along streams,
EMA is on record warning that streams are fragile and therefore should not be used for farming unless a conservation plan is in place as application of fertilizers within the river banks leads to water pollution through enrichment from dissolved nutrients.
This lead to dams being progressively reduced in volume and eventually filled up and also eutrophication poisons aquatic life, fish dying in dams while choking aquatic plants. Highly silted dams pose a threat as livestock can become stuck in the mud.
