Published by the government of Zimbabwe
23 April 2009
Harare — Resource constraints have hindered the Environmental Management Agency from fully enforcing environmental legislation in the country, resulting in serous environmental degradation over the years.
EMA director for environmental management services, Mr Phillip Manyaza said acute manpower shortages and lack of transport for officers remained major challenges inhibiting the organisation from fulfilling its mandate.
Out of the 60 districts in the country, only 22 were manned by district officers. Mobility was also a challenge for officers who in most cases have to rely on transport from other partners. Ridiculously low fines were not cost effective and deterrent enough, Mr Manyaza added.
He said the costs they incur do not compare favourably with what they get when offenders are apprehended.
Mr Manyaza also called on landowners particularly farmers and miners to start making preparations for fire management since there were a lot of tall grass due to abundant rains received this year.
"We need to start talking about fire management now. There is need to construct fire guards as well as set up fire fighting committees to assist in preventing and putting out fire outbreaks.," he said.
EMA has already identified hot spots where it will be sending officers to serve land owners with orders to construct fire guards.
In another development, Mr Manyaza urged all transporters of hazardous substances to register with EMA for monitoring purposes to ensure there are no accidental spillages.
"We have had quite a good number of accidents and the onus is on transporters to clean up the environment," he said.
EMA was due to hold a meeting with transporters in Harare yesterday and was scheduled to hold a similar one in Beitbridge on Saturday.
"Some have registered but we feel the majority have not registered," Mr Manyaza said.
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