The Government says the situation surrounding illegal housing construction at the Monavale wetland in Harare has been brought under control, with authorities putting measures in place to protect the ecologically sensitive area and prevent further encroachment.
In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife said interventions had been instituted to safeguard the ecological integrity of Monavale Vlei, one of Zimbabwe’s critical wetland ecosystems, through a coordinated “Whole of Government and Whole of Society” approach.
The ministry said the coordinated framework had improved policy coherence, institutional collaboration and enforcement of environmental regulations across sectors.
“The situation at Monavale Vlei has been brought under control as appropriate measures have been instituted to safeguard the ecological integrity of this critical wetland ecosystem,” the ministry said
Authorities said the unsanctioned construction activities are now under control and mechanisms have been established to prevent a recurrence of similar developments.
“Monitoring of the area will continue and relevant government institutions will not hesitate to use the provisions of the law against any individuals or entities violating standing laws,” the statement read.
The ministry urged citizens, property developers and institutions to comply with wetland regulations and contribute to environmental stewardship.
“Wetlands are critical ecosystems whose ecological goods and services such as water provisioning, flood control, and species habitat are key to humanity,” the ministry said.
The statement was issued by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, amid growing concern over illegal developments on wetlands in Harare and other urban centres.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that construction on wetlands increases the risk of flooding, water shortages and ecosystem degradation, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas.
For Monavale, a wetland long regarded as environmentally sensitive, the latest government intervention signals renewed efforts to tighten enforcement and curb illegal settlement expansion.
