The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) says water pollution remains Zimbabwe’s most pressing environmental challenge, with more than three-quarters of its enforcement efforts now dedicated to protecting the country’s water resources.
EMA Environmental Protection Director Mr Christopher Musvava made the remarks while giving oral evidence on unsustainable mining practices by mining companies surrounding the Deka River in Hwange before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
Speaking on the state of environmental protection, Mr Musvava said 75.6 percent of EMA’s enforcement resources are directed towards addressing water pollution, highlighting the severity of the problem.
The agency revealed that approximately 139 kilometres of the Deka River have been polluted, raising concerns over the impact of mining and industrial activities on one of Matabeleland North’s key water sources.
To curb environmental degradation, EMA said it has issued several Environmental Protection Orders to individuals and companies found violating environmental regulations. The agency also carries out routine inspections and environmental audits on a quarterly basis to monitor compliance and ensure industries adhere to pollution control standards.
In addition to inspections, EMA conducts biomonitoring surveys to assess the ecological health of rivers and determine the extent of pollution. The surveys help the agency track changes in water quality and evaluate the effectiveness of environmental protection measures.
Mr Musvava said sustained monitoring, strict enforcement of environmental laws and cooperation from industries are essential to restoring the Deka River and protecting communities that depend on it for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
EMA has continued to urge all stakeholders to prioritise pollution prevention and comply with environmental regulations to safeguard Zimbabwe’s water resources for future generations.
