THE Environmental Management Agency (Ema) has moved in to halt the construction of residential stands for Members of Parliament, following concerns from residents over the destruction of Monavale Vlei, a wetland of international importance.
Residents said the project threatened a protected ecosystem and undermined Zimbabwe’s environmental commitments, sparking public outrage and attracting government and parliamentary attention.
It also emerged at a residents’ meeting in Harare that the issue had attracted the attention of Tafadzwa Muguti, the Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President.
Although details remain sketchy, residents told NewsDay that Ema officials visited the site and ordered an immediate stop to all work.
Ema spokesperson Amkela Sidange was unavailable for comment, but sources confirmed the suspension of the project.
“Yes, the agency has advised those involved to stop until the necessary paperwork is obtained. As we speak, nothing will be developed at the site,” a source said.
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Residents, led by the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) and the Harare Residents Trust, have called for the immediate protection of Monavale Vlei.
CHRA director Reuben Akili said the development was disturbing.
“It is disturbing that Monavale Vlei, one of the seven designated Ramsar Sites in Zimbabwe, is under siege from construction activities, including the construction of houses for Members of Parliament,” he said.
Akili said the development raised questions about Zimbabwe’s commitment to international environmental obligations, especially since Zimbabwe holds the presidency of Ramsar, which it assumed last year at the Ramsar COP 15 held in Victoria Falls.
“Destroying a wetland, which is a designated Ramsar Site protected by international law through construction activities, increases vulnerability and exposes all wetlands to destruction,” Akili said.
He lamented poor co-ordination among government departments, saying it led to the allocation of the sensitive areas for housing.
Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said lawmakers should prioritise environmental protection over personal benefit.
“Legislators should be the ones responsible for protecting wetlands rather than pursuing personal benefit or gain, undermining public accountability,” he said.
Shumba added that Monavale Vlei was protected under both national and international law, to which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said the matter would be investigated.
“We will look into the matter. Parliament is a separate body in terms of the Constitution; it ranks above our office, possibly contact them,” Mafume said.
Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda said residents should “come to our offices and they know where” if they have complaints.