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All boreholes drilled on wetlands to be destroyed

All boreholes drilled on wetlands to be destroyed

Tafadzwa Muguti

Zim Now Writer

The Harare Metropolitan Province has warned residents that all boreholes that have been drilled illegally shall be destroyed.

This comes after the Secretary of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Tafadzwa Muguti on Tuesday met with Harare Wetlands Trust and Harare residents’ representatives to discuss the growing invasion of wetlands and illegal water harvesting being facilitated by some council and government officials.

In a statement, Muguti said that all equipment confiscated while any form of construction in wetlands shall be stopped.

“Members of the public are advised that all wetlands in Harare Metropolitan Province have since been gazetted by the Environmental Management Agency through a Cabinet directive.

“As such, no construction or agricultural activities are allowed in wetlands. Zimbabwe is a signatory to several global conventions on the protection of wetlands and so as a Provincial Government structure we shall not tolerate any form of wetland invasion.

“It has also been noted that water extraction permits are being issued for drilling of boreholes and harvesting of natural spring water in wetlands. There is also a growing concern of local authorities applying for land change of use of wetlands into commercial and residential stands.

Muguti added that no form of developments permitted in wetlands and those issuing the permits and building in wetlands will both face the full watch of the law.

Members of the public are urged to report illegal activities and partner with EMA to protect wetlands.

 

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