Politicians fuel illicit land deals

BY KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI

Corrupt politicians, local government officials and those from responsible state bodies are at the centre of a network of individuals responsible for the parcelling out of land in wetlands and contamination of water bodies in violation of local and international treaties, a damning Parliamentary report shows.

The report tabled in the Senate by the Thematic committee on Climate Change on the Inquiry into the State of Wetlands presented by Senator Prisca Mupfumira shows that there is collusion between political actors, council officials, corrupt elements in the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and so dire is the graft that intervention by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office could salvage the situation.

Wetlands in Harare under siege

In Harare, just like in other urban areas, wetlands play a strategic role in sustaining major water sources including Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame, while also providing important social and economic benefits.

However, due to “criminal negligence” the water bodies are now contaminated and posing danger to consumers who have been left to face consequences that in some cases include deadly waterborne diseases.

In the metropolis, over 50% of the wetlands have been degraded and lost as a result of unregulated housing developments, industrial pollution, sand poaching, and inadequate urban planning, thereby threatening biodiversity and urban water security.

Flooding has also become part of the nightmare in the capital and is a direct consequence of abuse of the wetlands according to experts.

Among the places with affected wetlands in Harare that were part of the committee report is Kuwadzana, Budiriro Wetland, Monavale West Minister, Mt. Pleasant Sport Club, Pokugara and Makomo Investments in Borrowdale, Greendale wetlands behind Food Lovers Market, Cleveland Dam, Marlborough wetland owned by Exodus and Even Press and Marlborough area owned by Old Mutual.

The Committee revealed widespread and persistent encroachment on wetland ecosystems, with numerous developments such as cluster houses, schools, sports facilities, and commercial structures, raising serious concerns regarding legality, compliance with environmental regulations, and adherence to established planning procedures.

In several instances, construction of these developments had proceeded on land formally designated as wetland, including areas gazetted for protection, indicating a clear breakdown in enforcement by responsible authorities.

More shocking, as evidenced by the committee report, is that developments on wetlands were frequently approved under questionable circumstances.

“In one instance, a project initially rejected by the Environmental Management Agency was later approved following a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), prompting the Committee to request detailed documentation to understand the basis for the reversal,” the report reads in part.

There were irregular or inconsistent decision-making were observed across multiple sites, including cases where construction facilities and housing continued despite existing stop orders, Environmental Protection Orders, and fines issued by EMA.

This has led to recurring illegal settlements and land allocations spearheaded by land barons mainly with political connections.

“In some areas, religious gatherings evolved into large informal settlements, while in others, stands were allegedly allocated by councillors or municipal departments in direct violation of planning regulations. The City of Harare repeatedly failed to prevent invasions or halt ongoing development, revealing institutional weaknesses and poor inter-departmental coordination. In certain cases, the City of Harare even leased or sold wetland lands, later claiming that no law explicitly prohibited such actions, an indication of legal and policy gaps requiring urgent reform.”

Internationally protected land not spared

The report also showed that illegal developments were occurring in internationally protected wetland sites, including Ramsar-listed areas.

Ramsar listed wetlands are ecosystems of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The sites are recognized for their biodiversity, ecological, and hydrological significance, with over 2,500 sites designated worldwide to ensure conservation and wise use. Mana Pools National Park and Lake Chivero are some of the notable in Zimbabwe.

“Protected areas were walled off, converted into private spaces, or altered through rock filling and other activities that threatened the hydrological integrity of the ecosystems. In some cases, development continued even under a national moratorium, demonstrating a significant enforcement deficit,” the report reads.

Politicians, corrupt city of Harare officials implicated

The city of Harare, which has been often flagged for corruption, has its officials implicated in the corruption while politicians have also been fingered.

“Some city officials were implicated in irregular allocations or sales of wetland land, highlighting governance and accountability gaps. Corruption and political interference were also reported, undermining adherence to planning and environmental regulations,” the report reads.

“The Committee found that land barons, housing cooperatives, religious groups, and, in certain cases, local government officials were involved in the illegal allocation and occupation of wetland areas. Informal settlements expanded unchecked, contributing to environmental degradation and exposing residents to significant health and safety risks.”

The committee also exposed that governance gaps, corruption, political interference, and weak accountability mechanisms significantly contributed to continued wetland degradation, undermining regulatory authority and public confidence in environmental institutions.

Presidential intervention key

The report further recommended: “The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, together with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Office of the President and Cabinet should investigate corrupt officials and land barons involved in illegal wetland settlements and refer cases to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution by August 2026.”

“The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife should impose a total ban on development on wetlands and ensure strict enforcement by June 2026. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, should improve interagency coordination to streamline wetland protection efforts by June 2026.”