MAYA Press Release
MAYA is deeply worried by the recent news that some unidentified people suspected to be fishmongers did the most unthinkable act of poisoning the Fern Valley dam in a desperate bid to make a big catch. However, as expected, this despicable act didn’t end well as the poison decimated most if not all the ecological system of the dam. What’s the fishmongers were concerned on harvesting the fish, other flora and fauna species including frogs, fish eagles and animals that drink from that dam are at risk of dying as well. This is a very unsettling development that must be condemned as loudly and all responsible citizens to action against such heinous acts from being perpetrated again.
As MAYA, we are further perturbed by the obvious public health risks attached to the poisoning act which goes beyond fish but exposes many people to food poisoning after consuming the fish. Hundreds if not thousands of unsuspecting people adults, children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, fathers, and elderly could be munching the fish now, happy that they have had a hearty meal with juicy fish after a long time due to the hard times only to realize that it was a fishy meal. The water and fish are now a poisoned chalice putting people and a whole range of biodiversity that rely on the Fern Valley dam/water in great danger.
It must be noted that the water from the Fern Valley dam proceeds as the Dora river which joins Sakubva river 5km downstream, itself a tributary of the Odzi River. This illustrates how grave the situation is and what is at stake. Is in this respect that we urge the responsible authorities to urgently investigate the type of chemical/poison that was used to place the water and the possible effect it may have on humans and biodiversity in the immediate and intermediate future. This information is necessary for those who may have eaten the fish who may need immediate medical attention and the possible preventive measures that those people and animals living downstream in Dora may have to take to mitigate the effects of the poison.
MAYA salutes the quick action from Councillor Matsiya (ward 19) for alerting the public. This is leadership. As an elected official, he has done his part. Section 73 (1) (Environmental Rights) of the Constitution says that “every person has the right to (a) An environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being and (1) prevent pollution and ecological degradation. This reminds us all as citizens that we have a duty and responsibility towards the environment, and this entails that citizens must at all times act responsibly. Lacing water with poison to catch a few fish is irresponsible and criminal. We regard it as culpable homicide if not a genocidal attempt. There is no justification for this callous act, it cannot be hunger nor poverty. It can only be terrorism.
MAYA urges law enforcement to upscale their investigation regarding this criminal action while the local Authority (City of Mutare) must be authorized to run and maintain the dam. We understand the ownership issues involved however we believe the local authority is better placed to protect and manage the dam. The Environmental Management Agency must also up their game and be more visible, lest very soon, there will be no environment for the Agency to manage. Further, since this is more of a public health matter, we await quick action by all concerned stakeholders especially EMA and the Ministry of Health. Citizens must act responsibly towards fellow beings and the environment and must support the local authority, EMA, and police as they in their various capacities To manage the environment for our benefit either by discouraging negative actions from fellow citizens where ever we encounter such or reporting such actions to the authorities. We are sure, someone somewhere saw this evil act happening and is quiet now, by choosing silence, you’re siding with evil. Love your neighbour as you love yourself so as the environment. Thus is Ubuntu.