Chemicals

As a result of human activities along the Marimba River such as steam bank cultivation, deforestation, soil erosion and dumping of litter and toxic wastewater , the river is at an advanced state of degradation.Stream bank cultivation in the high density areas of Avondale, Malbereign, Mufakose, kuwadzana, kambuzuma and Warren park where the river passes have resulted in gully formation.Severe deforestation can be noted along those sections that pass through the high density residential suburbs.Reeds and Mahute trees that are usually found in wetlands have been massively destroyed for garden protection and firewood purposes.Siltation of the river has occured as a result of the above. This demonstration project will cover only 20 acres of the 100 hectares in need of urgent attention and 2 sites ,Mufakose and Kambuzuma of the 10 sites that need urgent attention as well. The broad objective of this project is to restore the biodiversity of Marimba River , through engaging in environmental improvement projects such as afforestation , wetland protection ,gully reclamation and establishment of Bio Diesel fields , so as to improve the environment and community quality of life. Each ward is expected to : 1.establish Ward Based Development Networks that will plan , implement , and co-ordinate environmental projects. 2. introduce and plant 5000 Bio Diesel trees 3. establish 2 eco-nurseries for both oil producing trees and horticultural plants 4. protect 2 wetlands with a total area of 20 acres 5. establish 2 consolidated gardens measuring 20 acres 6. reclaim 4 gullies measuring about 3km 7. establish 1 community based vending site in each of the 2 participating wards. The above objectives formulated the activities that were undertaken including River rehabilitation , surveys and engineering designs, construction of infrastructure and evaluation and documentation.The project has a community based approach were the community is at the fore front working cooperatively with other stakeholders such as the Harare Municipality , Department of Natural Resources, Agricultural and Research Extension and Africa Eco Foundation. Project Outputs -2 nurseries established in each ward -5000 BioDiesel trees planted in each ward -Ward based development networks established -2 wetlands protected in each ward -2 consolidated gardens established in each ward -8 gullies reclaimed -2 community based vending sites established By the end of the project 70% of the households in each of the 5 wards will be actively participating in environmental projects.Deforestation and soil erosion will be reduced by 50% while biodiversity will be increased by 60%.

Zimbabwe