The government has ruled that no building or land clearing is allowed on wetlands without a full Environmental Impact Assessment approved by the Environmental Management Agency.
Local councils are barred from selling or approving land on these sites, and illegal structures may be removed.
Environment Minister Evelyn Ndlovu has officially declared mapped wetlands as protected ecologically sensitive areas under the Environmental Management Act, giving the decision legal force through a Government Gazette notice.
“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has, in terms of Sections 113(1) and 140 of the Environmental Management Act (‘the Act’), declared the mapped wetlands in the attached schedule as protected ecologically sensitive areas,” reads part of the notice.
The government says detailed wetland maps will be available at EMA offices, and no development will be allowed unless a full Environmental Impact Assessment is approved under the law.
The declaration means that no development may take place on these wetlands unless the developer complies with the provisions of the Act, including the submission and approval of a full Environmental Impact Assessment in line with Section 97 of the law and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no public land falling within or making up a wetland shall be developed without consultation and formal approval of the Environmental Management Agency,” the notice further states.
By officially protecting wetlands, the government has made the rules much stricter
No building is allowed on wetlands unless a full environmental study proves the project will not cause harm. Councils can no longer sell or approve land on these areas without permission from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
Authorities can now demolish illegal buildings and take legal action against offenders. The move protects wetlands as key water sources, flood barriers and wildlife habitats. In places like Harare, damage to wetlands feeding Lake Chivero has worsened water shortages, and the new rules give EMA power to stop harmful development before permanent damage is done.
