Harare's wetlands face rapid disappearance due to urban development
via NewsDay Zimbabwe6 min read
Harare is experiencing an ecological crisis as its wetlands, locally known as vleis, are being converted into concrete. These wetlands are crucial for flood attenuation, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity buffering, acting as natural filters and reservoirs that replenish boreholes and wells. Despite clear legal frameworks like the Water Act and the Environmental Management Act EMA prohibiting wetland disturbance without rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments, these protections are often bypassed. The EMA's 2026 reports indicate that wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests due to urban pressure, contributing to increased flash floods in areas like Budiriro and Monovale. Developments such as Longcheng Plaza and the Museum of African Liberation are built on critical catchment areas. The approval process is fractured, with the Harare City Council allocating land for commercial value, and the EMA subsequently pressured into granting retrospective certificates. Environmentalists argue that modern engineering cannot mitigate the impact, as hardening catchment areas leads to destructive runoff and increased water treatment costs. Political and commercial interests frequently override ecological expert warnings, leading to higher flood risks and a rapidly sinking water table for the city's residents.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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