KEY POINTS
- Harare Mayor blames informal settlements for Lake Chivero pollution.
- Outdated water infrastructure worsens the contamination crisis in Harare.
- Stakeholders plan site visit to Lake Chivero to determine next steps.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has blamed informal settlements for the escalating pollution crisis at Lake Chivero. Speaking at a press briefing, Mafume pointed out that the settlements are a significant contributor to the contamination of the lake, which serves as the primary water source for Harare residents.
The pollution crisis came to light after four rhinos, fish, and other wildlife died from suspected water contamination. Lake Chivero, which supplies water to thousands of Harare households, is now under scrutiny, with stakeholders calling for urgent action.
“There are informal settlements that have been formed in and around Lake Chivero, which then create a situation where there are too much pollution levels,” Mafume explained.
He added that the settlements are not regulated and continue to release waste into the water, worsening the contamination problem.
Outdated infrastructure strains Harare’s water system
The mayor acknowledged that Harare’s aging sewer and water infrastructure is part of the larger issue. He said the city’s sewer systems were built decades ago and are now unable to handle the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population.
“We have sewer works, but they are not at full capacity because they were designed many years ago and cannot deal with the effluent and the quantities that go there due to the natural growth of the city,” Mafume explained.
Additionally, the outdated system has forced raw sewage into Lake Chivero, compounding the pollution crisis. City authorities have faced criticism from environmentalists and local communities who believe the municipality should have taken earlier action to prevent the crisis.
According to New Zimbabwe, Mafume stressed that upgrading Harare’s water system and building new water sources is essential to prevent future disasters. However, he noted that the city would need substantial financial resources to achieve this goal.
Authorities call for tests and stakeholder collaboration
In response to the crisis, experts, city officials, government representatives, and other stakeholders are set to visit Lake Chivero for an assessment. The visit aims to establish the extent of the contamination and identify immediate solutions.
“These are early days to say much about the situation evolving at Chivero,” Mafume stated, hinting that more detailed tests would reveal the best course of action.
The contamination of Lake Chivero has prompted concern from conservation groups, particularly after the deaths of the four rhinos, fish, and other wildlife linked to the water pollution. Critics argue that the contamination highlights long-standing issues with Harare’s water system, which has been under strain for years.
Furthermore, Mafume urged Harare residents to exercise patience, emphasizing that scientific tests would guide future decisions on how to manage the crisis. He also highlighted the need for an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to address the contamination, urging stakeholders to work together.
