Harare declares zero tolerance for illegal wetland encroachment

Minister Charles Tawengwa speaking at World Wetlands Day, Cleveland Dam

By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe

The Government of Zimbabwe has declared a zero‑tolerance policy on illegal settlements and developments in Harare’s wetlands, pledging action against land barons who continue to encroach on protected areas. Speaking at a belated World Wetlands Day 2026 event held at the Cleveland Dam Ramsar site, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa warned that wetland invasion is worsening flooding, displacing families, and threatening the city’s water security.

Charles Tawengwa, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province: “The invasion and occupation of wetlands in Harare Metropolitan province by land barons will not be tolerated. Wetlands must not be disturbed, degraded or converted for illegal settlements.”

Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Province Cosmas Chiringa emphasised wetlands’ role in natural water purification and urged planners to exclude wetlands from development in master plans.

Cosmas Chiringa, Permanent Secretary: “We must make sure that in our master plans we don’t erect buildings in the wetlands because we need them for water. Wetlands have a very big responsibility to clean the water that we drink.”

Why wetlands matter for Harare

Wetlands act as natural sponges and filters: they absorb floodwaters, reduce downstream flooding, recharge groundwater, and remove pollutants from surface water. Officials said continued encroachment undermines these ecosystem services, increasing the frequency and severity of urban flooding and raising public‑health and water‑security risks for Harare’s residents.

Government response and enforcement priorities

Authorities signalled a stepped‑up enforcement campaign targeting illegal developers and land barons, including:

• Identification and mapping of encroached wetland areas for immediate remediation.

• Legal action against individuals and syndicates responsible for illegal land subdivision and construction.

• Integration of wetland protection into Harare’s master planning and building‑permit processes.

• Public awareness campaigns to inform communities about the risks of settling in wetlands and the legal consequences of encroachment.

Officials said local government, environmental agencies, and law‑enforcement bodies will coordinate operations to remove illegal structures and restore degraded wetland areas where feasible.

Community impact and next steps

Ministry and provincial officials urged communities to cooperate with enforcement teams and to report illegal land sales and developments. Authorities also said they will work with urban planners and water utilities to ensure that restored wetlands are protected and that future infrastructure planning accounts for natural drainage and water‑catchment functions.