Masvingo Rural District Council (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-Laws, No. 219 of 2019

These By-Laws are made by the Masvingo Rural Disctrict Council and approved by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing. The By-Law is made to apply in the Masvingo Rural District Council area. It provides that the Council may prepare an environmental action plan for the area in terms of the Environmental Management Act. Accordingly, in developing a plan, the council shall consult all relevant government departments in the council area, consult residents in the council area and consult other relevant stakeholders in the council area. The By-Laws provide that if a plan prescribes an area for grazing, such plan shall, among other things, provide for the maximum number of livestock which may be grazed in the grazing area, the owner or owners who may graze livestock in the grazing area, the period within which a person may cease grazing livestock in a grazing area and the measures appropriate for the conservation and proper use of any wildlife in any grazing area. In the same vein, specifications are made for areas set aside in a plan for cultivation, to include, which inhabitants may cultivate in any cultivation area, the means or implements which shall be used to cultivate in any cultivation area, the type of crops which may be grown, the responsibility for planting noxious weeds, among others. The By-Laws provides for environmental impact assessments to be carried out where require and the the procedure for submission of the assessment report. It gives the council the power to regulate and control bush burning within the area, and makes basic regulations against bush burning. The By-Laws place a duty on occupiers or owners to keep their land free from invasive alien species. The council is also granted power to protect wetlands and makes some regulations against human interference with wetlands and the carrying out of activities that are detrimental to wetlands. The By-Laws provides against the cutting of trees with certain exceptions like land clearing for agricultural purposes, collection of deadwood for fuel, etc. The Bye-Laws place a duty on all residents to conserve water resources, promote their sustainable use and protect them against pollution. The By-Laws also make extensive provisions on the maintenance and sustainable management of conservation works, livestock management, wildlife management, air pollution, waste management, mineral panning and mining, emission licences, plant, pests and diseases, etc.