Environment

The Zimbabwean government finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with unmet commitments regarding essential infrastructure. Promises of upgraded treatment plants, modern pump stations, and prepaid meters have faded into empty rhetoric, particularly following a substantial loan of U.S.$144 million from the China Exim Bank intended for Harare's water treatment system enhancement. As a means to address the escalating debt, a new water levy was instituted in March, placing an additional financial burden on the citizens. The…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has officially reported a devastating toll of 100 lives lost due to the relentless floods that have ravaged the region. This heart-wrenching figure may continue to rise, as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. How much more sorrow can a community endure? Tragically, the majority of the deceased are from the OR Tambo District, a key area that has suffered immensely. Among those lost, 37 children—22 of whom…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

In recent weeks, typhoons of unrelenting rain and ferocious winds have swept through our province, inflicting not just damage but heartbreak. As communities grapple with loss, the government, in collaboration with municipalities and private partners, is mobilizing to deliver crucial relief and recovery services. The tragedy has claimed 78 lives across various districts, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and upheaval. What does it take to rebuild after such devastation? The answer lies in a blend of resilience, teamwork, and…

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Equateur Province as at least 30 lives were lost when a boat capsized, sending ripples of sorrow throughout the community. Rescue teams are diligently combing the waters in a frantic effort to locate dozens of individuals still unaccounted for. Local officials suspect that overcrowding, coupled with the treacherous weather conditions, may have contributed to this heart-wrenching incident. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rivers and lakes serve as vital arteries for…

The recent tumultuous weather has wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, leaving behind a trail of destruction that no one anticipated. Over 80 homes have been obliterated, and more than 500 families are grappling with the aftermath. The chilling scenes painted by heavy snowfall, fierce winds, and violent hailstorms in KZN speak volumes about nature's unpredictable fury and its impact on fragile infrastructure. Power outages ripple through communities, leaving them in darkness and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the…

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has authorized the culling of 50 elephants within the Save Valley Conservancy, a decision framed as a necessary measure to address the growing issue of overpopulation. This announcement was confirmed by ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, who stated that the required permits for this management exercise have been duly issued. An extensive aerial survey conducted in early 2024 painted a stark picture: Save Valley Conservancy is home to an astonishing 2,550…

In a striking revelation, Environment Watch, a revered non-governmental organization, has attributed the tragic loss of life during the recent floods in Mokwa, Niger State, to a failure in executing the Ministry of Works' 2025 Budget. The organization's critical stance toward Minister of Works David Umahi accuses him of procrastination in vital drainage and erosion control initiatives. Had these measures been timely and effectively implemented, would many lives have been spared? The deluge—precipitated by relentless…

Pope Leo XIV has committed to preserving the teachings of the Catholic Church while boldly addressing contemporary challenges. He voiced concerns over economic systems that exploit both our planet and the marginalized. Addressing a crowd of thousands in St. Peter's Square, the Pope underscored the importance of the Church—home to 1.4 billion members—remaining anchored in tradition yet open to the world. He stated, "There is no place for religious propaganda or power struggles in the future of our beloved institution." In…