The Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate is seeking Cabinet approval to declare the country a water shortage area as the situation has worsened due to the El-Nino-induced drought which is the worst in 25 years.If the provision is granted, the ministry will be able to redistribute water so everyone benefits.
Most dams have dried up while water tables in most areas have declined to 100 metres instead of the normal 80 metres. Government has since availed $7 million towards drought mitigation. Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri yesterday appealed to the public to use water sparingly for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes.
Speaking to the Herald she said,
Guided by the same Act, Section 61, I will once again be approaching President Mugabe seeking to declare the whole country a shortage area. This provision, if granted will allow me to redistribute water resources for the common good of everyone.
Minister Muchinguri also complained of bad practices which she said where causing siltation of dams.
More: Herald