Chinhoyi Bureau — Mazvikadei Dam and its environs remain largely untainted and every effort should be made to preserve the wetland for posterity and a balanced ecosystem, a senior Environmental Management Agency officer has said.

Studies have shown that the dam has clean water at a time when most water sources, including Manyame and Chivero, have been polluted by raw sewage and industrial waste.

Speaking at belated Wetlands Day commemorations in Mazvikadei last week, EMA Mashonaland West provincial officer Mrs Eunice Mutepfa said wetlands such as the one at Mazvikadei provided a clean source of water for surrounding communities and animals.

Mashonaland West Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire said wetlands were a source of life for many people supporting activities such as fish and crocodile farming while providing clean water to drink at nominal cost to local authorities.