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Midlands Reporter
SEVERAL homes along Ome River in Gokwe North are at risk of being destroyed by floods as the river is silted due to stream bank cultivation.

In an interview, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Midlands planning officer Ms Anastancia Mangisi said they had raised a red flag over the level of siltation in Ome River.

She said they had since ordered farmers in the district to desist from cultivating on the banks of the river since it contributed to siltation, raising the chances of flooding.

“We have ordered farmers in Gokwe North district to stop cultivating on the banks of Ome River as siltation of the river has resulted in flooding,” said Ms Mangisi. “Homes in the area are at risk of being destroyed by floods.”

Ms Mangisi said they had embarked on an awareness campaign against stream bank cultivation.

“Siltation is one of the challenges affecting water bodies, especially in Ome River,” she said. “We have embarked on a campaign against stream bank cultivation. We hope they will take heed so that they are not affected by flooding.”

Ms Mangisi said farming activities should be done at least 30 metres away from the highest flood level of any wetland and water body, be it a dam, lake, river, stream or weir.

She said EMA wanted to reduce land degradation, especially in rural areas.

“It is an offence to degrade rivers and river banks through unsustainable practices such as stream bank cultivation and farmers should be aware of that because if they resist they will be prosecuted,” said Ms Mangisi. “Farmers need to know that it is an offence to practice stream bank cultivation and we aim to reduce these cases, especially in rural areas.”