By Tendai Chisiri
Harare – The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has welcomed the gazetting of the Environmental Management Amendment Bill by Parliament on 9 September 2026.
CHRA said the Bill proposes harsher penalties for corporate polluters and wetland developers, responding directly to residents’ concerns over water pollution and wetland destruction in Harare.
The association noted gaps in the current law. Fines and permit fees are too low, not linked to environmental damage, and rarely used for cleanup. “It is now cheaper for corporates to pollute than to comply,” CHRA stated.
Residents are paying the price through higher water tariffs, poor water quality, and lost livelihoods. CHRA cited that the City of Harare spends about US$3 million monthly on 10 water treatment chemicals due to pollution in Lake Chivero.
Research also found industries are failing to install pre-treatment facilities before discharging effluent, in violation of the Environmental Management Act. This is worsened by broken sewer systems at Crowborough, Firle, and Chitungwiza.
CHRA is calling for full enforcement of the “polluter pays” principle, fines that match the damage caused, and urgent rehabilitation of sewer infrastructure.
CHRA urged Parliament to hold inclusive public consultations, both physical and virtual, to ensure residents’ input shapes the final law.
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