Investigations Reporter
Investigations by this publication have uncovered alarming practices by the Harare City Council, which is putting residents' lives at risk by discharging raw sewage into Lake Chivero, the City's primary water source.
For the past two weeks, raw sewage has been channelled directly into the Mukuvisi River, which flows into Lake Chivero, with devastating consequences for the environment and public health.
The investigation revealed that the Council has been pumping raw sewage into the Mukuvisi River at Crowborough, an area poorly secured and accessible without encountering any security personnel.
Along the sewer line, multiple burst pipes were observed leaking sewage into the river and adjacent fields. These fields are used by local farmers who rely on the river’s flow for irrigation.
Despite having replacement pipes available, the Council has not yet installed them, exacerbating the situation.
The pollution has led to a proliferation of cyanobacteria in Lake Chivero, causing the death of fish and other aquatic life.
This has forced the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to cordon off sections of the lake to protect the public.
In addition to the discharges at Crowborough, burst pipes in Kuwadzana have also allowed sewage to flow directly into the Mukuvisi River.
The combined impact has turned Lake Chivero into a highly polluted water body, further straining the city's already vulnerable water supply system.
Reached for comment, Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) chairman, Shalvar Chikomba condemned the Council's actions.
“The pollution of Lake Chivero by the Harare City Council is both reckless and unacceptable. Discharging raw sewage into water bodies not only endangers the lives of residents, but also destroys our environment. The Council must act urgently to resolve this crisis and adopt safer waste management practices,” he said.
Local residents echoed Chikomba's sentiments, expressing outrage and concern over the Council’s negligence.
“This is a betrayal of public trust. We depend on Lake Chivero for water, and now it’s polluted with sewage. The Council needs to prioritise fixing this mess,” said Tafadzwa Moyo, a resident of Kuwadzana.
Chipo Dube, another resident from Mbare added, “It’s shocking that despite having the resources, the Council hasn’t acted. This negligence is costing lives and livelihoods.”
Environmental experts have also weighed in, urging the City Council to take immediate action to address the pollution of Lake Chivero and explore safer waste disposal methods.
“The levels of contamination in Lake Chivero are reaching catastrophic levels,” said one expert, who called for comprehensive reforms in the City’s waste management infrastructure.
As the crisis unfolds, Harare residents await decisive action from the City Council to prevent further environmental and public health disasters.
