The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
RAMPANT environmental degradation taking place along Rusape Dam and River is threatening to choke the town’s water supply.
Illegal activities such as brick moulding, stream bank cultivation, deforestation and fish poaching have been going on unabated for the past years, thereby threatening this key water body.
Rusape Dam was constructed in the 1960s to supply water to sugar and wheat estates in the lowveld. It is also a source of water for Rusape town and nearby farms.
A visit to the dam painted a sorry state of affairs as the dams is now surrounded by ovens of farms bricks. The illegal moulders are also wantonly cutting down trees to dry the bricks.
National Tree Ambassador, Mr Never Bonde, whose organisation Isandla Esihle is developing a botanical garden on the shores of the dam, said there is need for urgent interventions to stop the illegal activities that are threatening the dam.
“A lot of people are now moulding farm bricks very close to the dam. They are doing it near the dam to draw water from there.
“The brick moulders are destroying the area and there will be no trees along the dam in the near future. The rate of deforestation is shocking. We are urging stakeholders in the environment sector to come forward and make sure these people are stopped from choking the dam with siltation.
“Fish mongers who are using mosquito nets to catch fish must also be stopped forthwith as their activities are unsustainable. Those who want to fish for commercial purpose must use cages,” said Mr Bonde.
Environmental Management Agency Makoni District officer, Mrs Lenia Mbira said besides having educational meetings with those embarking on illegal activities near the dam, they are also prosecuting them.
She, however, said as long as farm bricks still have a market in Rusape, they will continue having challenges with the molders.
“We do regular inspections but it is difficult to arrest them as the run away when they see us approaching. We are also working with local authorities and as for Makoni Rural District Council, they have banned the use of farm bricks. This is a positive move as it helps to conserve the environment.
“Rusape Town Council still allows the use of farm bricks. This complicates matters as the illegal molders have a ready market there,” said Mrs Mbira.
