Staff Reporter
Lake Chivero, one of Zimbabwe’s Ramsar-protected sites, is in an environmental crisis following the suspension of fishing activities due to massive pollution.
Over a thousand dead fish have washed ashore, raising alarms about the safety of the lake’s aquatic resources and its role as a water source for Harare.
The situation has escalated, with toxic algae blooms killing several animals, including rhinos, zebras, and fish eagles, sparking widespread concern.
The Harare Residents Trust has called for urgent action, questioning the safety of the water supply drawn from Lake Chivero.
In an interview with the media yesterday, Trust chairperson Precious Shumba expressed alarm over the images of dead fish and wildlife circulating online, urging the city council to address the contamination.
“This is a serious public health concern. What measures are being taken to ensure the water remains safe for consumption?” Shumba asked.
Director of the Combined Harare Residents Association, Reuben Akili has gone further, advocating for a state of emergency. He noted that the lake’s contamination has been a longstanding issue, exacerbated by negligence.
“If fish and animals are dying, what about humans? The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and government must act decisively to address this environmental disaster,” Akili said.
The crisis stems from untreated sewage runoff into the lake.
According to Community Water Alliance, program manager Goodlife Mudzingwa said Harare’s sewer systems are overwhelmed, channelling over 200 megalitres of waste daily into facilities designed for just 80 megalitres.
This overflow has contributed to nutrient pollution, causing toxic algae blooms that deprive the lake of oxygen, resulting in fish and wildlife deaths.
Despite the alarming reports, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has assured residents that treated water remains safe for use. He explained that the city adheres to World Health Organisation standards in water treatment and that the current fish deaths are partly seasonal, linked to heat-induced oxygen depletion.
However, Mafume acknowledged the need for further investigations into the animal deaths, emphasising the urgency of collective action to combat pollution.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has closed Lake Chivero to the public while investigations are underway. ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo attributed the crisis to sewage runoff from the Marimba area, which has polluted multiple bays of the lake.
“The high levels of pollution have led to toxic algae blooms, which deplete oxygen levels, killing fish and other aquatic life. If this continues, we could see more severe ecological damage,” Farawo warned.
This is not the first time Lake Chivero has faced such challenges. The lake has struggled with eutrophication since the 1960s, driven by nutrient pollution from urban and agricultural runoff.
Harare’s growing population and inadequate sewage infrastructure have worsened the situation, threatening both biodiversity and public health.
The Lake Chivero crisis is a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices.
As Zimbabwe grapples with this unfolding disaster, residents, authorities, and environmental organisations must work together to ensure the lake’s long-term recovery.
From upgrading sewer systems to enforcing pollution control measures, bold and immediate actions are required to protect this critical water source and its ecosystems.
