Politicians linked to illegal land allocations as wetlands come under threat in Zimbabwe

[Yesha]

A parliamentary inquiry has implicated corrupt politicians, local government officials, and some state agency representatives in a widening network of illegal land allocations on wetlands, leading to environmental degradation and water contamination in violation of both local regulations and international environmental agreements.

The findings were presented in the Senate by the Thematic Committee on Climate Change, led by Senator Prisca Mupfumira, following an inquiry into the state of wetlands across the country.

The report highlights alleged collusion between political actors, municipal officials, elements within the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and land developers. It further suggests that the scale of the problem may require high-level government intervention, including involvement from the Office of the President and Cabinet.

Wetlands under pressure in Harare​

In Harare and other urban centres, wetlands play a critical role in sustaining major water systems such as Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame, while also supporting biodiversity, flood control, and livelihoods.

However, the report warns that these ecosystems have been severely degraded due to what it describes as widespread regulatory failure and environmental mismanagement. As a result, water sources are increasingly polluted, raising public health concerns, including the risk of waterborne diseases.

According to the committee, more than half of Harare’s wetlands have been lost or heavily degraded due to unregulated housing developments, industrial pollution, sand extraction, and weak urban planning enforcement. Experts also link the worsening urban flooding in the capital to wetland destruction.

Areas cited in the report include Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Monavale, Mt Pleasant, Borrowdale developments such as Pokugara and Makomo Investments, Greendale wetlands, Cleveland Dam, and parts of Marlborough involving private and institutional land holdings.

Widespread illegal development and weak enforcement​

The committee reports widespread encroachment into protected wetland zones, where cluster housing projects, schools, sports facilities, and commercial buildings have been constructed without proper compliance with environmental and planning laws.

In several cases, developments proceeded on land officially designated or gazetted as protected wetlands, indicating significant enforcement failures by responsible authorities.

The report also raises concerns about inconsistent decision-making, including instances where projects initially rejected by EMA were later approved following Environmental Impact Assessments. Lawmakers requested further documentation to understand such reversals.

Despite enforcement actions such as stop orders, fines, and environmental protection notices, construction in some areas reportedly continued regardless, suggesting weak compliance mechanisms.

Illegal settlements and alleged land baron networks​

The inquiry further points to the rise of illegal settlements and land allocations driven by so-called land barons, some allegedly with political connections.

In certain cases, informal settlements are said to have grown from religious gatherings, while in others land was allegedly allocated by councillors or municipal officials in violation of planning procedures. The City of Harare is also criticised for failing to stop invasions or ongoing illegal developments, reflecting institutional and coordination challenges.

The report further notes instances where wetlands were reportedly leased or sold by the city, with officials arguing there was no explicit legal prohibition—highlighting possible gaps in the legal and policy framework.

Internationally protected wetlands also affected​

The committee also found that some developments have encroached on wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty that safeguards wetlands of global ecological importance.

Such sites, including areas near Lake Chivero and Mana Pools National Park, are recognised for their biodiversity and environmental significance. Despite this status, the report notes cases where protected wetlands were altered through land filling, fencing, or construction activities.

In some instances, development reportedly continued even under national moratoriums, further raising concerns about enforcement gaps.

Officials and politicians implicated​

The report alleges that some City of Harare officials were involved in irregular land allocations and sales of wetland areas, pointing to governance and accountability weaknesses. It also cites political interference and corruption as key factors undermining environmental regulation.

It states that land barons, housing cooperatives, religious groups, and certain officials have all played roles in the illegal occupation and subdivision of wetlands, contributing to uncontrolled expansion of settlements and increased environmental risk for residents.

Call for stronger enforcement and reforms​

The committee recommends urgent multi-agency action, including investigations by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), and the Office of the President and Cabinet, with cases referred for prosecution where necessary.

It further calls for a complete ban on wetland development by June 2026 and improved coordination between environmental and local government authorities to strengthen enforcement and protect remaining wetland ecosystems.