A youth organization in Mutare, Manicaland, is intensifying its efforts to protect an endangered wetland from developers planning to build on the site.
The Manicaland Youth Assembly (MAYA) is collaborating with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and other stakeholders to prevent illegal development on the wetland. The group has been actively raising awareness about the importance of wetlands and advocating for stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
Speaking to Bustop TV, MAYA Director Jussa Kudherezera said they are verifying whether the developers obtained the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
“We recently wrote to EMA to confirm if the developers had the required EIA, but we are yet to receive a response. While they have currently stopped, we remain vigilant. We will continue fighting against the destruction of wetlands,” Kudherezera said.
He emphasized that MAYA is escalating its advocacy to ensure all wetlands in Manicaland are protected.
“We are stepping up our efforts. This isn’t just about this one wetland; we are working to safeguard all wetlands in Manicaland from destruction,” he added.
EMA has also cautioned developers against encroaching on wetlands without proper authorization, reminding them that construction on wetlands without an EIA is illegal and carries legal consequences.1
The wetland in question, located on stand number 7568 in the Tigers Kloof Murambi area of Mutare, is threatened by a proposed development of 23 cluster homes.
MAYA has written to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing, urging government intervention to protect the wetland.
In a letter obtained by Bustop TV, MAYA expressed concerns that the planned development would severely impact the local ecosystem.
“Destruction of this wetland would not only harm biodiversity but also exacerbate flooding and undermine the overall resilience of the environment,” the letter states.
The youth group highlighted the essential environmental services provided by wetlands, including natural water purification, flood regulation, and habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
Furthermore, MAYA argues that the proposed construction violates Zimbabwe’s commitments as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty focused on preventing wetland loss and promoting conservation.
MAYA’s plea is particularly timely as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Ramsar COP15 conference, a major international event centered on wetland conservation.
