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[QUOTE="Queen, post: 84323, member: 27"]
Illegal wetland housing schemes are turning into a total clown show for desperate homeowners. People in areas like Glen View, Budiriro, and Chitungwiza are risking their lives in homes built on soggy ground, with floods washing away walls and contaminated water threatening health. Resident Mary Chikomo described flooded houses and broken perimeter walls, highlighting a lack of drainage and proper services.

The Environmental Management Agency is cracking down hard with a nationwide restoration push. Spokesperson Amkela Sidange stated a zero-tolerance policy for illegal development on these ecologically sensitive zones. The agency uses mapped wetlands to guide planning and issues stop work orders, having pursued multiple court cases around Harare alone.

A case-by-case review is happening for older settlements built before stricter enforcement. City of Harare environmental scientist Charles Mabika pointed to unplanned development as the core issue, needing master plans for drainage and sewage systems. The agency’s restoration priority focuses on urban wetlands and critical water systems.

Community involvement is central to the rehabilitation program. All provinces will run priority projects engaging women and youth groups. Despite weather challenges, protecting these areas remains vital for groundwater recharge and flood control as a key climate adaptation strategy.
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