Harare’s Water Source At Risk As MPs Allocated Stands On Monavale Wetland
Monavale Wetland, or Monavale Vlei, in Harare, is one of only seven Wetlands of International Importance in Zimbabwe. It is now under threat, as 23 Members of Parliament have allegedly been allocated stands on the fragile ecosystem.
Black News 
According to human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart, the 23 MPs were allocated stands on the Monavale wetland, even though Zimbabwe currently holds the presidency of the Ramsar Convention.
In 2025, the Ministry of Local Government has allocated 70 residential stands to MPs across Harare, Goromonzi and Zvimba.
The Ministry requested local authorities, including Harare City Council, to provide low-density stands in “leafy” northern suburbs such as Borrowdale, Marlborough, Greystone Park and Mabelreign.
Monavale Vlei forms part of the Manyame catchment basin, the main water supply for Harare and surrounding towns.
The Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO) has managed and restored the wetland since 2005.
COSMO, the Harare Wetlands Trust and residents lodged appeals with the Minister of Environment on 17 December 2025.
