Report By Wilis Moyo

HARARE – A coalition of civil society and community-based organizations has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing sand mining activities at Cleveland Dam, a internationally recognized wetland under the Ramsar Convention. Despite efforts to engage law enforcement and government departments, the activities continue unabated, posing a significant threat to the dam and surrounding ecosystem.

The organizations, including Cleveland Action Alliance, Manyame Conservation Trust, Network for Environmental and Climate Justice, and Residents Against Land Degradation, have observed a significant increase in sand mining activities, with an average of 30 trucks per day ferrying sand from the site. This has resulted in severe depletion of the wetland, gully erosion, and destruction of habitats for various plant and animal species.

The groups are calling on the government to enforce strict measures to protect wetlands, as required by the Ramsar Convention and local legislation, including the Environmental Management Act and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007. They also recommend that the City of Harare’s updated Master Plan prioritize wetlands preservation and environmental sustainability.

The organizations stress the importance of wetlands for sustainable development, human well-being, and climate change mitigation, and urge law enforcement agents and government departments to take action without delay.