Introduction

Urbanization has greatly impacted wetlands in numerous ways, the aim of this study was to assess the impacts of urbanization on wetlands in Kitwe District. This study quantified the wetlands cover area which has been converted to built-up/settlement areas in the aforementioned district, identified the impacts of urbanization on wetlands and suggested measures of reclaiming degraded wetlands and managing them to prevent their further loss. The size of wetlands converted to built-up/settlement areas as a result of urbanization was determined using the Semi-automatic Classification Plugin in QGIS, and the impacts of urbanization on wetlands were determined using observations, questionnaires, and interviews. Secondary sources were used to identify the mitigation strategies. The research was therefore both quantitative and qualitative.

Major findings

• Around 2,087,100 m2, or nearly 20% of the total wetland area in Kitwe District, has been converted to built-up/settlement area as a result of urbanization between 2013 and 2020.
• The burring of wetland vegetation, increased elevation of the wetland area and eliminate the periodic inundation of the wetland as a result of the construction of fills on wetlands.
• Loss of the natural flow of the river and streams as a result of the river channel modifications done in order to aid construction activities.
• Increase in water runoff as a result of removal of native vegetation that once intercepted rainfall and compacted the soils, construction of impervious cover created by the development of roads, rooftops and parking lots.
• Diminished infiltration and recharge of ground water as a result increase in storm drainage systems installed to convey runoff to downstream waters including wetlands.
• Depletion of Kitwe’s water table and water coverage owing to the construction of houses on wetlands coupled with a sharp increase in the use of borehole and well water.
• Increase in the contamination of underground water as a result of the usage of septic tanks and pit latrines as well as unsustainable garbage disposal methods.
• Decrease in biodiversity as a result of the increase in construction of houses, clearing of vegetation as well as the river and stream channel modification.

In order to prevent further loss and degradation of wetlands in Kitwe District, the researcher identified a number of passive and active restoration measures as well as management techniques. These preventive measures were obtained from secondary sources as well as the relevant stakeholders which were involved in the research. These measures include:

Preventive measures

• Filling up soak ways, pit latrines, wells and sand mining ditches
• Rediverting the stream channels to its natural state
• Unblocking blocked culverts and drains
• Treatment of invasive species

Management measures

• Control contaminant loading
• Proper waste management
• Fencing the wetlands and putting critical signs
• Seeding and planting
• Maintenance and monitoring
• Resettlement of wetland resident and demolishing of structures

Conclusion and recommendations

In conclusion, the following recommendations were made based on the findings of the research:

• Relevant authorities should come up with policies that promote the protection of small wetlands to prevent their further degradation, i.e., fencing or putting up critical signs to indicate wetland boundaries.
• There should be effectual collaboration between city authorities and urban dwellers in implementing sustainable wetland management and conservation practices.
• The wetlands that are located at prime areas as well as those that are closed to urban centers must be acquired and developed into tourist sites by city authorities in order to protect and conserve their usefulness to the environment.
• There should be more educative campaigns to the public on the ecological importance of wetlands by city authorities as well as non-governmental organizations.
• Developers should be made aware of the impacts of urbanization on wetlands and strategies that can be used to control or minimize the said impacts.
• There should be pragmatic implementation of the strategies that have been adopted by city authorities on minimizing the impacts of urbanization on wetlands and efforts of managing, protecting and conserving wetlands in Kitwe District.