Land Pollution In Zimbabwe: Understanding The Root Causes

Land pollution in Zimbabwe is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences. The country's land resources are under threat from a range of human activities, including improper waste management, illegal mining, and deforestation. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the country's statutory body, faces challenges in curbing these issues, which have led to environmental degradation and health hazards for the population. With increasing waste generation, especially in urban areas like Harare, and a lack of proper dumpsites, Zimbabwe is grappling with soil pollution and water pollution, impacting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

Poor waste management

The improper disposal of waste has severe environmental and health consequences. Uncollected waste, including diapers and sanitary pads, pollutes the soil and contributes to unpleasant odors. It also poses health risks, with diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery arising from water pollution caused by the discharge of raw sewage into water sources.

In addition to municipal solid waste, the increase in electronic waste (e-waste) poses a significant challenge due to the presence of non-biodegradable hazardous substances such as mercury and lead. The lack of proper disposal methods for e-waste further exacerbates the problem of land pollution in Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, land degradation, which is closely linked to pollution, is prevalent in Zimbabwe due to human activities such as deforestation, stream bank cultivation, veld fires, and illegal mining practices. Sand poaching, for instance, has left deep open pits that threaten both human and animal lives and contribute to soil erosion. The Environmental Management Agency, despite its efforts, has struggled to curb these issues effectively.

To address the problem of poor waste management and its impact on land pollution, Zimbabwe has implemented initiatives such as the National Cleanup Campaign, held every Friday of the first week of each month. While this campaign has raised awareness and promoted best practices among citizens, more comprehensive solutions are needed to tackle the underlying issues of waste management infrastructure and enforcement of environmental regulations.

Lack of proper dumpsites

Land pollution in Zimbabwe is caused by a variety of factors, one of the most significant being the lack of proper dumpsites. This issue is prevalent in most towns and cities across the country. The absence of adequately designed and located landfills has led to environmental and health hazards, as well as aesthetic concerns.

The improper disposal of waste is a major consequence of inadequate dumpsites. Without proper landfills, waste is often burned or buried, leading to air and soil pollution. Decomposing waste in landfills produces leachate, which can percolate into the soil and contaminate surface and groundwater sources. This leachate also contributes to the release of methane, a greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change.

The lack of proper dumpsites in Zimbabwe is further exacerbated by the increasing volume of waste generated in the country, particularly in urban areas. The capital city, Harare, struggles to manage the growing amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. In 2016, it was estimated that 90% of Harare's MSW was recyclable or reusable, yet only 49% was formally collected for disposal, with a decreasing collection rate over the years.

The improper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is another concern. E-waste often contains hazardous and non-biodegradable substances such as mercury and lead, which can contaminate the land if not properly managed. The lack of proper dumpsites and waste management practices in Zimbabwe contributes to the environmental and health hazards associated with e-waste disposal.

The impact of inadequate dumpsites extends beyond pollution. The accumulation of waste along street roads and public spaces creates unsanitary conditions, leading to health issues such as cholera, typhoid, and other diseases. It also affects the aesthetics of the country, with dumpsites being a source of bad odours and an eyesore.

Deforestation and over-utilisation of land

The primary drivers of deforestation in Zimbabwe include urban expansion, population growth, agricultural activities, and the demand for firewood. As cities expand, forested areas are cleared to make way for infrastructure development, including housing, roads, and public facilities. This expansion of urban zones is projected to result in the deforestation of over 1.2 million square kilometres of land between 2000 and 2030. Additionally, agricultural policies that stimulate production and encourage certain types of crop cultivation have led to the moderate expansion of land under maize, cotton, and sunflower, contributing to deforestation in communal and resettlement areas.

The demand for firewood, particularly in urban areas, is another significant factor. Zimbabwe, like most African countries, relies entirely on wood for fuel, with an estimated 90% of the continent's population using fuelwood for cooking. Urban dwellers, facing erratic power supplies and electricity outages, often resort to buying firewood, which involves cutting down whole, live trees. This practice has severe environmental implications, leading to land degradation and the release of unabsorbed carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Over-utilisation of land, including excessive use of fertilisers and irrigation, also plays a role in land pollution. These practices can render land infertile, leading to barrenness, reduced food supplies, and even desertification. The excessive use of fertilisers and irrigation has had detrimental effects, with tonnes of soil lost and rivers choked, leading to floods.

To address these issues, Zimbabwe has implemented various campaigns and initiatives. The National Cleanup Campaign, launched in 2018, has helped create awareness and promote best practices among citizens. Additionally, there is a focus on fining industries and citizens for poor land practices and encouraging the substitution of diesel and petrol vehicles with electric alternatives. While these efforts are ongoing, the challenges of deforestation, over-utilisation of land, and improper waste management continue to contribute significantly to land pollution in Zimbabwe.

Illegal mining and sand poaching

Sand is in high demand in Zimbabwe due to the rapidly expanding suburbs and the need for construction materials. Sand poachers take advantage of this demand and sell sand to local builders and developers, causing massive damage and degradation to the environment. The poachers leave behind uncovered pits and gullies, which are not only eyesores but also dangerous. The extraction of sand from river beds and public land has led to soil erosion and environmental degradation.

The EMA has conducted raids and issued tickets for illegal sand mining and transportation, but their efforts have not been successful in stopping the sand poachers. The poachers often operate at night and during weekends to evade the authorities, and they sometimes bribe officials to continue their illegal activities. The high unemployment rate and poor economy in Zimbabwe have also been blamed for the prevalence of sand poaching, as people turn to this illegal activity to survive.

To address the issue of illegal sand mining and poaching, the Harare City Council has announced punitive measures and increased inspections and patrols in hotspots. The EMA has urged citizens to report instances of illegal sand mining and to purchase sand only from licensed dealers. However, the success of these measures remains to be seen, as sand poachers continue to operate undisturbed in some areas.

Poor environmental law enforcement

One example of poor environmental law enforcement is the issue of sand poaching and illegal gold mining, which has led to severe land degradation and water pollution. Open pits left by illegal miners pose a serious threat to both human and animal life, and rivers and dams across the country have been polluted. Despite the EMA's interventions, residents complain about the lack of effective measures to stop sand poachers, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and collaboration with local authorities.

Additionally, improper waste management practices in Zimbabwe contribute to land pollution. The country struggles with inadequate waste management systems, resulting in the improper disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2016, Harare, the capital city, generated approximately 371,697 tonnes of MSW, with only 48.7% collected for disposal and recycling. The remaining waste is burned, buried, or discarded indiscriminately, leading to soil and water contamination. The local government's failure to enforce waste management policies exacerbates the problem, as individuals dispose of litter and waste without fear of repercussions.

The lack of proper dumpsites in most towns and cities in Zimbabwe further exacerbates the issue. Landfills without leachate collection and impermeable liners are common, leading to leachate percolation into the soil and contamination of water sources. The increase in electronic waste (e-waste) poses additional challenges due to the presence of hazardous substances such as mercury and lead.

Furthermore, deforestation, over-utilisation of land, and excessive use of fertilisers contribute to land degradation and pollution. Zimbabwe's semi-arid climate, erodible soils, and geological features make it particularly prone to land degradation. The high deforestation rates, driven by agricultural and domestic needs, further exacerbate the problem. While campaigns and initiatives have been launched to promote environmental awareness and best practices, stronger enforcement of environmental laws and regulations is necessary to address the root causes of land pollution in Zimbabwe effectively.

Frequently asked questions