Parliamentary Report Exposes Wetlands Corruption Scandal in Zimbabwe

Lake Chivero pollution and environmental degradation in Zimbabwe

HARARE – A damning parliamentary report has uncovered a widespread network of corruption involving politicians, local authorities, and state agencies in the illegal allocation and destruction of wetlands across Zimbabwe, raising alarm over environmental degradation and public health risks. The report, presented in the Senate by Prisca Mupfumira on behalf of the Thematic Committee on Climate Change, details alleged collusion between political actors, municipal officials, and regulators such as the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

According to the findings, wetlands vital for water purification, flood control, and biodiversity, are being unlawfully allocated for housing and commercial developments in violation of environmental laws and Zimbabwe’s international obligations.

In Harare, more than half of the wetlands have reportedly been degraded due to unregulated construction, pollution, and weak enforcement of planning regulations. Key water sources such as Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame are now at risk of contamination, sparking fears over water security and public health in the capital.

Affected suburbs include Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Marlborough, Borrowdale, and Greendale, where cluster housing projects, schools, and commercial buildings have been erected on ecologically sensitive land.

The committee described the situation as “criminal negligence,” citing a breakdown in enforcement systems and blatant disregard for environmental regulations. Some developments reportedly proceeded despite stop orders and environmental fines issued by authorities. The City of Harare was implicated in irregular land allocations, with allegations that some officials sold or leased wetland land for personal gain. Politicians and land barons were also accused of facilitating illegal settlements, often with political backing.

Environmental governance expert Dr. Farai Mutasa said the findings reflect systemic institutional failure.

“When regulators and local authorities are compromised, environmental laws become meaningless. This is not just an environmental issue, it’s a governance crisis,” he said.

The report further reveals that some projects initially rejected by regulators were later approved under unclear circumstances, raising concerns over the manipulation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Investigators also documented encroachment on internationally protected wetlands under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, including areas linked to Mana Pools National Park and Lake Chivero. Activities in these zones include land reclamation, fencing off public access, and construction work that threatens fragile ecosystems.

The committee has called for urgent intervention by the Office of the President and Cabinet, alongside investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. It also urged the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife to enforce a total ban on wetland development and strengthen inter-agency coordination.

An EMA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said enforcement challenges persist.

“We issue orders, but political interference often undermines implementation. Without accountability at higher levels, this will continue,” the official said.

The report warns that continued wetland destruction could worsen urban flooding, reduce biodiversity, and expose communities to waterborne diseases. Environmental campaigner Nyasha Zinyemba said the long-term consequences could be severe.

“Wetlands act as natural sponges and filters. Destroying them increases flood risks and contaminates water sources. This directly affects people’s health and livelihoods,” she said.

As pressure mounts for accountability, the report concludes that failure to act decisively will not only accelerate environmental collapse but also further erode public confidence in Zimbabwe’s institutions.

Zimbabwe wetlands corruption