Politicians fuel illicit land deals

A parliamentary report has exposed a network of corruption involving politicians, local authorities and state agencies in the illegal allocation and destruction of wetlands across Zimbabwe.

The report, presented in the Senate by Prisca Mupfumira on behalf of the Thematic Committee on Climate Change, highlights collusion between political actors, municipal officials and regulators such as the Environmental Management Agency.

Investigations revealed that wetlands—critical for water supply and biodiversity—are being parcelled out for housing and commercial developments in violation of environmental laws and international obligations.

In Harare, more than half of the wetlands have reportedly been degraded due to unregulated construction, pollution and poor urban planning. Key water sources such as Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame are now at risk of contamination, raising concerns over public health and water security.

Areas affected include Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Marlborough, Borrowdale and Greendale, where developments such as cluster housing, schools and commercial buildings have been erected on protected land.

The report cites "criminal negligence" and a breakdown in enforcement, noting that some projects proceeded despite stop orders and environmental fines.

The City of Harare was implicated in irregular land allocations, with some officials allegedly selling or leasing wetland land. Politicians and land barons were also accused of driving illegal settlements, often with political backing.

In some cases, projects initially rejected by regulators were later approved under unclear circumstances, raising concerns about manipulation of environmental impact assessments.

The report also found encroachment on internationally protected wetlands under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, including areas such as Mana Pools National Park and Lake Chivero.

Developments in these zones included land reclamation, fencing off public areas and construction activities that threaten ecological balance.

The committee recommended urgent intervention by the Office of the President and Cabinet, alongside investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

It also called on 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 coordination among agencies.

The report warns that without decisive action, continued wetland destruction will worsen flooding, threaten biodiversity and expose communities to serious health risks, further eroding confidence in public institutions.