By Everisto Zhuwao

The Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu, met with the European Union Ambassador, Katrin Hagemann, in Harare on Monday to strengthen strategic cooperation on environmental protection and climate change.

The meeting, which included Permanent Secretary Mr Simon Masanga, focused on scaling up existing projects to benefit local communities and the economy.

“This partnership reflects a shared vision for a resilient Zimbabwe. The European Union currently supports several major initiatives in Zimbabwe through its Global Gateway Strategy and the NaturAfrica Programme,” Minister Ndlovu said.

A key component of this partnership is a €26 million investment aimed at protecting biodiversity and building resilience through the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund. The funding helps rural communities adapt to changing weather patterns while preserving the country’s natural resources.

Regional conservation also remains a priority. The delegation highlighted a €2.8 million project dedicated to the Chimanimani Transfrontier Conservation Area, which Zimbabwe shares with Mozambique. The initiative seeks to protect wildlife and forests across borders while creating opportunities for sustainable tourism and research.

Beyond conservation, the dialogue also focused on the transition to clean energy and modern farming methods. The EU is supporting climate-smart agriculture to improve food security, while also expanding renewable energy projects in remote communities.

“Modernising energy and farming is a matter of national security,” Ndlovu explained.

Minister Ndlovu and Ambassador Hagemann emphasised that these programmes follow a community-centred approach. By involving local people in the stewardship of their land, the cooperation ensures that Zimbabweans directly manage and benefit from their environment.

“Nature is best protected by the people who live alongside it,” the Minister concluded.

The ongoing partnership aims to create a balance in which both nature and communities thrive through green governance and sustainable development.

The Government has confirmed that Zimbabwe has not detected any cases of Hantavirus, while assuring citizens that health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging the public not to panic.

Addressing journalists in Harare on Monday, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora revealed that three healthcare workers who had interacted with suspected Hantavirus patients arrived in the country earlier in the day.

Mombeshora said the trio had immediately been placed under quarantine as a precautionary step in accordance with established public health procedures.

“Three health workers who had been in contact with suspected hantavirus cases arrived in the country this evening,” said Mombeshora.

He added that the quarantine measure was meant to safeguard public health while authorities continue carrying out assessments and monitoring.

“Disease surveillance systems across the country remain on high alert despite the fact that Zimbabwe has not recorded any confirmed Hantavirus infections,” he added.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon  Felix Mhona today toured the ongoing construction works of the new Cloverleaf Interchange at the intersection of Harare Drive and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Road, formerly Airport Road, as Government continues implementing major infrastructure projects aimed at modernising the country’s road network.

The transformative project forms part of Government’s ongoing efforts “to decongest one of Harare’s busiest transport corridors, improve travel times to R.G. Mugabe International Airport, and enhance road safety for all road users.”

Addressing journalists during the tour, Hon. Adv. Mhona described the project as “a long-awaited development milestone,” while applauding Emmerson Mnangagwa for championing infrastructure modernisation and development across the country.

The Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to “accountability and delivering quality infrastructure that directly benefits citizens.”

Upon completion, the interchange project is expected to pave the way for the development of “10 additional interchanges from Glenara and associated routes,” a move expected to significantly improve traffic flow within Harare.

The tour was attended by Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Pedzisai Makumbe, heads of parastatals and other senior Government officials.