Operation Launched

Source: The Herald (Harare)

Date: 13 December 2006

Author: Anon

The Environment Management Agency and the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Mashonaland East province have embarked on a programme aimed at curbing illegal activities that cause land degradation.

Aptly dubbed Operation Flush Out Illegal Activities, the programme is mainly targeting illegal gold panning, quarrying and granite mining (black).

EMA Mashonaland East provincial chief environment officer Mr Robson Mavondo said his department had identified three districts where such illegal activities are rampant.

"We've identified Hwedza, Goromonzi and Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe as areas with the most land degradation because of these illegal activities.

"My department is carrying out a combined operation with the police who have since effected several arrests," said Mr Mavondo.

He revealed that the operation is proving to be very effective as the police and EMA officers are camping in the affected areas.

The court's judgment will be determined by assessment of environmental damage to the area and the resources needed to reclaim it.

EMA has since recommended that the courts sentence offenders to community service to enable them to reclaim areas they damaged.