President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster for at least 17 rivers after years of damage linked to mining.
The declaration, called the Civil Protection (Declaration of State of Disaster: Emergency Riverine Ecosystems Rehabilitation) Notice, 2026, was published in a Statutory Instrument in an Extraordinary Government Gazette.
It will enable the Government to mobilise resources and hire several contractors to rehabilitate the river ecosystems.
“As a result of the need to properly rehabilitate riverine ecosystems throughout Zimbabwe that have been adversely affected by legal and illegal alluvial mining activities, a state of disaster exists throughout Zimbabwe with effect from the promulgation of this declaration,” reads the notice.
The rivers named in the declaration include the Mazowe and Murowodzi in Mashonaland Central, and the Mazowe and Save in Mashonaland East. In Mashonaland West, the Angwa, Sanyati, Munyati and Mupfure Rivers are listed.
Other rivers affected are the Umzingwane and Insiza in Matabeleland South; the Manzimudaka, Mutebekwi, Sanyati and Mtshingwe in Midlands; and the Mutare, Haroni and Nyamukwarara in Manicaland.
The government says the river rehabilitation plan will follow four key principles. The first is land degradation neutrality, which means work should improve the overall health of river ecosystems and protect aquatic biodiversity.
The second is inclusivity, which requires engaging all stakeholder groups early to understand their interests. The third is an ecosystem approach. This looks at how natural processes upstream and downstream are linked, and treats riparian areas, floodplains and the wider catchment as one unit. The fourth principle is root cause analysis.
The new regulations set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Riverine Ecosystems Rehabilitation and Agency. The committee will oversee the rehabilitation of the rivers. It will be jointly chaired by the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Water Resources.
The committee’s duties include calling for bids for river rehabilitation contracts, approving those contracts, and making sure approved work is carried out properly. It will also handle any written grievances.
Other ministers on the committee are those responsible for Mining, Home Affairs and Local Government. The joint chairpersons can also bring in any other minister or entity they believe is needed.
The regulations also cover minerals found during rehabilitation. Any minerals recovered by an approved contractor must be reported to the Ministry of Mines within seven days. Where necessary, the Ministry may inspect the minerals to verify the quantity and value for royalty purposes.
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