MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has stepped up its enforcement operations in Masvingo Province in response to increasing environmental crimes and non-compliance with regulations.
EMA has intensified its surveillance activities across key production sectors to ensure adherence to environmental standards, with the aim of protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
According to Masvingo Provincial Environmental Management Authority (EMA) education and publicity officer, Munyaradzi Mtisi, a total of 901 environmental inspections were conducted across all seven districts in the province during October.
The inspections focused on various issues including air emissions, waste disposal, illegal sand mining, transportation of hazardous substances, and non-compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations.
“Major breaches were observed particularly in mining operations, LP gas storage and sale, and in the disposal of solid and effluent waste by local authorities and institutions such as hotels, lodges, schools, and hospitals,” said Mtisi.
He emphasized the need for strict monitoring to safeguard natural resources and ensure sustainable environmental management.
Following the inspections, EMA issued 110 environmental protection orders to address the violations, including the rehabilitation of sewage ponds, disused mining pits, and halting operations lacking valid EIA licenses.
Additionally, 278 environmental penalties were issued to offenders violating environmental laws.
Efforts to restore degraded ecosystems were also prioritized, with 48.09 hectares of mined land being rehabilitated, and 33.08 hectares ordered for rehabilitation.
These interventions are part of EMA’s broader strategy to promote ecosystem recovery and community well-being.
Beyond enforcement, EMA also held 352 stakeholder meetings with local authorities, industry leaders, and the business community to strengthen environmental stewardship and build compliance capacity.
Mtisi said the success of the initiative reflects EMA’s commitment to proactive environmental management through a combination of enforcement, education, and stakeholder engagement.
“The goal is to foster a culture of shared responsibility and ensure long-term environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe,” he added.
