By Sineke Sibanda

Recent reports regarding climate change in Africa have singled Zimbabwe as one of the most vulnerable countries to suffer water stress.

This was revealed at a press conference held by the Pan-African Cycling Campaign in partnership with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches involving nine African countries cycling to raise awareness on environmental devastation and climate change.

Recent media reports noted that one of the country’s cities, Bulawayo, was facing a deterioration in its water levels and if the rains do not redeem the already deepening water woos, the city would suffer serious drought and water shortages in less than two years from now. The reports also stated that Bulawayo was just a sad case study of the other parts of the country.

Water stress refers to a situation where the demand for water exceeds the available amount. It causes deterioration of fresh water resources in terms of quantity.

According to Kudakwashe Manyanga, a research officer in the Ministry of Environment, water and climate, the ministry is working on strategies to try and counter the misfortunes that may be precipitated by the lack of water which have impacted negatively on agriculture.

“As much as we are pulling from our end, we also urge and encourage the public to do their best in taking measures to conserve the climate and water so that we secure our future as Zimbabweans.”

Manyanga also told The Zimbabwe Sentinel that the ministry is willing to work with any people interested in safeguarding the climate and the environment arguing that everyone’s involvement in the climate struggle was very crucial.

His statements were backed by the French ambassador to Zimbabwe, Laurent Delahousse who argued that climate change and environmentally related challenges are no longer a threat anymore but a reality, which calls for everyone’s participation to combat climate change.

Climate change refers to changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially carbon dioxide.