THE Environment, Climate and Wildlife ministry has halted illegal housing construction at Monavale Vlei and introduced measures to prevent a recurrence after months of encroachment on one of Harare’s critical wetlands.
In a statement, Environment, Climate and Wildlife minister Evelyn Ndlovu said the situation at Monavale Vlei was now “under control” following a coordinated government and stakeholder response.
“The unsanctioned construction is now under control and mechanisms have been put in place to avoid a recurrence of similar activities,” she said.
NewsDay reported last week that Members of Parliament had been allocated residential stands on the wetland, amid an outcry from residents and environmentalists.
Ndlovu said monitoring of the area would continue, adding that the government would enforce environmental laws against individuals or entities violating regulations.
Monavale Vlei is a Ramsar-listed wetland that plays a key role in Harare’s water supply, flood control and biodiversity conservation. Environmentalists have long warned that it is under threat from illegal land allocation and housing developments.
Ndlovu said the intervention used a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach” to improve coordination across institutions.
The ministry did not name those responsible for the illegal construction or indicate whether arrests had been made.
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Wetlands provide water filtration, flood mitigation and wildlife habitat, the ministry said, adding that their protection was critical for public health and climate resilience.
“The government urges all citizens, developers, and institutions to respect wetlands regulations and actively contribute to environmental stewardship in a nature-positive manner,” she said.
The crackdown comes amid growing public pressure over wetland destruction in Harare, where illegal settlements have proliferated on ecologically sensitive land.
Ndlovu said the ministry would continue to monitor Monavale Vlei and take action against future violations.
