PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster on rivers heavily affected by siltation and environmental degradation, paving the way for urgent rehabilitation measures targeting the country’s major water bodies.
The declaration, contained in Statutory Instrument 91 of 2026 gazetted on Thursday, identifies several rivers across the country that are set to undergo rehabilitation following extensive damage linked largely to alluvial mining activities.
The affected rivers include Mazowe and Murowodzi in Mashonaland Central Province; Mazowe and Save in Mashonaland East; Angwa, Sanyati, Munyati and Mupfure in Mashonaland West; Umzingwane and Insiza in Matabeleland South; Manzimudaka, Mutebekwi, Sanyati and Mtshingwe in Midlands; as well as Mutare, Haroni and Nyamukwarara rivers in Manicaland Province.
Government has also gazetted Statutory Instrument 92 of 2026, introducing penalties for individuals and companies responsible for environmental pollution, with offenders expected to cover the costs of environmental restoration.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka said authorities will move swiftly to implement President Mnangagwa’s directive aimed at reversing river degradation.
“Government will move with speed to implement the President’s directive aimed at eliminating river degradation caused by alluvial mining activities,” Dr Masuka said.
He said the rehabilitation exercise is expected to restore damaged ecosystems and improve water availability for domestic consumption, agriculture and industrial use.
Dr Masuka noted that environmental damage caused by alluvial mining has already reduced irrigable land around Mazowe and Mwenje dams in Mashonaland Central Province, negatively affecting winter wheat production.
In Matabeleland South Province, illegal alluvial mining along the Umzingwane River is threatening water supplies to Bulawayo, while in Manicaland Province, the Mutare River has suffered severe siltation and diversion, disrupting natural water flows.
The latest intervention forms part of broader Government efforts to strengthen environmental protection, safeguard water resources and support sustainable economic development.
