The Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC) successfully conducted a community awareness campaign in the Saffron (Lilongwe) Community, aimed at educating residents on sustainable water management and environmental protection. Reaffirming its commitment to promoting sustainable water resources management, environmental protection and community education on water governance.
Awareness Campaign Congregation
The awareness program brought together local leadership, residents and technical experts in an interactive engagement aimed at strengthening public understanding of Zimbabwe’s water laws, permitting systems and catchment protection measures. The initiative forms part of UMSCC’s broader mandate to empower communities with knowledge that promotes responsible water use and environmental sustainability.
Delivering the opening remarks and overview of the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council, Mrs. C. Matsaira highlighted the institution’s critical role in managing and protecting water resources within the catchment area. She emphasized the importance of community participation in safeguarding water sources and ensuring equitable and sustainable water use for current and future generations.
Mrs Matsaira Delivering opening Remarks
“Our role as UMSCC goes beyond regulation, it is about working closely with communities to ensure that water resources are protected and utilized sustainably for socio-economic development,” she said.
A presentation on Water Laws in Zimbabwe was delivered by Miss Tendai Chipere, who provided an informative overview of the legal framework governing water resources management in the country. She educated community members on the Water Act of 1998, stressing the importance of compliance with national regulations.
Miss Chipere explained that water is a shared national resource that requires responsible management and adherence to legal provisions to avoid conflicts, environmental damage and unsustainable exploitation.
The session on Permitting, presented by Mr. Peter Bonga, focused on the procedures and importance of acquiring water permits for various water uses. He explained the legal requirements for water abstraction and emphasized that permits help regulate water use while preventing over exploitation of water bodies.
Mr. Bonga urged community members and water users to regularize their water use activities and work closely with UMSCC to ensure compliance.
Mr Bonga presetting on Permitting issues
“Permits are not meant to burden communities but to ensure that water resources are shared fairly and managed sustainably,” he said.
Addressing the issue of Catchment Protection, Mr. Tawanda Mujuru educated participants on the importance of protecting rivers, wetlands and surrounding ecosystems from environmental degradation. He highlighted the dangers of stream bank cultivation, deforestation, illegal sand abstraction and pollution, noting that such activities threaten water security and environmental sustainability. He encouraged the community to adopt environmentally friendly practices and become active custodians of natural resources.
Mr mujuru addressing the issue of Catchment Protection
“Protecting our catchments means protecting our future. Healthy ecosystems are essential for reliable water supply, agriculture and community livelihoods,” he emphasized.
The awareness campaign also featured an interactive Question and Answer session facilitated by Mr. Sethy Chimombe, where community members engaged directly with the presenters on issues relating to water access, legal compliance, environmental protection and sustainable water management practices. The session provided an opportunity for residents to seek clarification and share local concerns affecting their community.
Question and answer session
Speaking during the event, local councilor Clr Ruzayi commended the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council for bringing critical awareness programs closer to the people. He acknowledged the importance of continuous community education in promoting responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“This program is very important for our community because knowledge empowers people to make informed decisions that protect both livelihoods and the environment,” said Clr Ruzayi.
The Saffron Community awareness campaign reflects UMSCC’s continued dedication to strengthening community engagement, promoting sustainable water governance and building resilient communities through education and collaborative action. Through such initiatives, the council continues to play a pivotal role in advancing environmental sustainability, water security and rural development in line with Zimbabwe’s national development aspirations.
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