By Correspondent
Mutare businessman Abdul Wahid’s cluster houses project in Morningside has come under scrutiny after revelations the land is a wetland.
Facing public pressure Mutare City Council has denied giving the go ahead for the project.
In fact, it says it is waiting for Local Government approval for the land’s change of reservation application.
Acting Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka said the project was on hold until the Ministry endorsed the change of reservation.
History of Wetland
“Stand 7568 Mutare township was sold by council on November 27, 1998.
“(This was) for the establishment of an old people’s retirement home on condition that the beneficiary shall conduct an environmental impact assessment before the commencement of any construction activities,” Chafesuka said.
In 2002 Wahid then submitted a proposal to construct cluster houses in the area.
Chafesuka said Council had then resolved to apply to the Minister of Local Government and Public works for approval of a change of reservation.
“The application is still under the minister’s consideration,” he said in a statement.
Chafesuka said the Local Government Minister, through the Department of Social Planning and Development, had advised Mutare city to provide confirmation of proof from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) that the land could be developed sustainably.
Chafesuka said council advised the Wahid to conduct an EIA.
This would be done in consultation with all stakeholders.
“Please note that council has not yet approved any development for cluster houses on the land in question until the change of reservation is approved,” he said.
Former Mutasa South MP Regai Tsunga said the wetland needs to be protected.
“That wetland beneath the Cecil Kopje needs to be preserved.
“The bio diversity and therefore, ecosystem there needs not be disturbed/tempered with.
“It was not a mistake for successive authorities to leave it natural as a public space.
“Could perhaps do as a recreational Park”, he said.
Wetland depletion has been ongoing despite the country being part of the Ramsar Convention which advocates protection of wetlands.
Zimbabwe will actually host the CoP15 Ramsar Convention in July 2025.
