The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE has joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Wetlands Day amid indications the destruction of wetlands is contributing to declining groundwater levels across Harare.
Celebrated on the second day of February every year, World Wetlands Day dates back to 1971 when environmentalists gathered to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding wetlands.
The Harare Wetlands Trust recently produced a report titled “Current Status of Harare’s Headwater Wetlands-October 2021”, which raises alarm over the destruction of wetlands in the capital city.
“Harare is facing a prolonged water crisis whereby the city authorities are unable to provide most residents with a safe and reliable water,” reads part of the report.
“This has forced many residents to use groundwater, which, in turn, is leading to declining groundwater levels across the city. The widespread destruction of headwater wetlands is one of the primary causes of this disaster, with an estimated 50 percent reduction in remaining wetland extent over the period 2008 to 2019.”
According to the report, most remaining wetland areas in Harare are now heavily degraded.
