The Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) has written to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, urging swift government intervention to protect and preserve a wetland located in Mutare Urban District.
Situated on stand number 7568 in Tigers Kloof Murambi area, this recognized low-density wetland is facing an existential threat from a proposed construction of 23 cluster homes.
In a letter, obtained by Bustop-TV, MAYA has voiced concerns over this planned development, arguing it would have a devastating impact on the local ecosystem.
“Destruction of this wetland would not only harm biodiversity but also exacerbate flooding issues and undermine the overall resilience of the environment,” the letter states.
Maya indicated that the wetland provide essential environmental services including natural water purification, flood regulation, and habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species.
“We are deeply concerned about the proposed development of 23 cluster homes on this wetland, which plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and provides important environmental services such as flood regulation, water purification, and habitat for numerous plant and animal species,” the letter reads.
In ligh of this, the youth organization argues that the proposed construction of cluster homes undermines the country’s commitments as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar Convention is an international treaty aimed at halting the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve, through wise use and management, those that remain.
“As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, Zimbabwe has pledged to protect and preserve wetlands. It is crucial that we demonstrate our commitment to these global conservation goals by safeguarding important wetland areas like the one in Mutare,” the letter reads.
“As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, Zimbabwe has committed to protecting and preserving wetlands, and it is crucial that we demonstrate our commitment to these international conservation goals by safeguarding important wetland areas such as the one in Mutare Urban District.”
This plea from MAYA has emerged as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Ramsar COP15 conference, a very important international event that will focus on the importance of wetlands conservation.
“Moreover, we would like to bring to your attention the upcoming Ramsar Cop15, which is to be held in Zimbabwe and will focus on the importance of wetlands conservation.
MAYA has firmly condemned the cluster home proposal, urging the government “to take immediate action to halt this destructive development. Instead, we urge the government to explore alternative options for sustainable development that do not involve the destruction of critical wetland habitats.”
MAYA added that they “stand ready to support and assist in any way possible to ensure the protection and preservation of the wetland in Mutare Urban District.”
