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Kudakwashe Chidziya Manicaland Correspondent
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has raised concern over the continuous pollution of various water sources in Manicaland, which the regulatory body says is contributing significantly to changes to the climatic conditions and affecting agricultural activities.

EMA provincial environmental education and publicity officer Mrs Alice Chivese said Sakubva River was one of the most polluted water bodies and was fast becoming a dumping site for both industries and residents.

“The river is already polluted by fossil oils discarded by industries, so residents are making it worse. A polluted water body will impact on the environment and even the climate since the water cycle is largely dependent on the water bodies. Residents have to consider that for us to have a better environment,” she said.

She said recent studies had shown that the disruption of the water cycle was increasing the likelihood of drought and poor rainfall.

“Environmental and water pollution could be some of the leading causes of poor rainfalls recorded this season in Manicaland province. As an authority we urge people not to continue polluting water as this has direct impact on the environment which will lead to negative climate change putting at risk the entire province’s agricultural activities.

“ The rainfall patterns will also be affected which will result in poor yields like what we have experienced this past season, an experience we do not wish to repeat,” said Mrs Chivese