Local civic society organizations, Cleveland Action Alliance and Manyame Conservation Trust have raised concerns over the devastating impact of sand mining activities on Cleveland Dam Wetland, a internationally recognized wetland under the Ramsar Convention.
In a joint statement, the CSOs said despite efforts to engage law enforcement and government departments, activities at the dam pose a significant threat to the wetland’s biodiversity. “The sand mining activities, which have been going on unabated, despite concerted efforts to engage law enforcement agents and government departments pose a real threat to Cleveland Dam, which is an internationally recognized wetland under the Ramsar Convention which Zimbabwe signed in 2011.
“Our observations on the ground have revealed that Cleveland Dam is currently under siege from sand mining activities with an average of 30 trucks per day ferrying sand from the Ramsar site which covers 2 500 hectares and is a key biodiversity area. The wetland is severely depleted as gullies are all over.
“It is also discouraging to note that in Harare, wetlands continue to be depleted due to illegal construction activities, sand mining, pollution as well as agricultural activities among other factors. This is despite the fact that these wetlands serve as water sources for Harare,” read the statement. The organizations called on the government to take strict measures to protect wetlands.
“By virtue of Zimbabwe being a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on the Protection of Wetlands, there is a compelling need for the government to put in place strict measures to protect wetlands as important water sources that are critical for human well-being and serve as special habitats for several forms of plants, birds and animals. Wetlands also play a crucial role in climate change mitigation,” said the organization’s
The groups urged the city to conduct a detailed environmental study, restore damaged wetlands, and develop Local Environmental Action Plans to protect these vital water sources. Community stewardship and mobilization are also crucial for the preservation of wetlands.
“As the City of Harare is in the process of updating its Master Plan, we recommend that an updated Masterplan for Harare must appreciate the fact that the future sustainability of the capital is dependent on wetlands preservation and environmental sustainability. Harare’s outdated Master plan makes little reference to wetlands and their invaluable services for the City of Harare,” added the CSOs.
