By A Correspondent

Massive pollution has led to the suspension of fishing activities at Lake Chivero, one of Zimbabwe’s seven Ramsar-protected sites, following reports of over a thousand dead fish washing ashore. This alarming development has raised concerns about the lake’s environmental health and the safety of its aquatic resources.

Recent reports indicate a sharp increase in toxic algae blooms in the lake, resulting in the deaths of several animals. Among the casualties are four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, and four fish eagles. The rising pollution levels have made the lake a danger to both wildlife and humans.

The situation has sparked outrage and concern from local residents. The Harare Residents Association Trust has called on the city council to urgently address the issue. “The situation at Lake Chivero is not to be taken lightly. The city council needs to tell us what is going on, especially regarding the water. We all know that the Harare catchment area depends on the lake for its water, and for us to see the pictures of dead fish and animals circulating on social media is alarming. Are we safe from the contamination that has taken place, and what are they doing to ensure our safety?” asked Mr. Precious Shumba, chairperson of the Harare Residents Trust.

Reuben Akili, the director of the Combined Harare Residents Association, also expressed concern over the ongoing issue of water contamination at Lake Chivero. “This issue of water contamination at Lake Chivero has been going on for a long time, and the city fathers have been given leeway for too long. Now it’s time for the government and relevant authorities, including bodies like EMA, to intervene and fix this once and for all. A state of emergency or disaster has to be declared because if fish and animals are dying, what about us humans?” Akili stated.

Mr. Goodlife Mudzingwa, the program manager at the Community Water Alliance, further emphasized the need for urgent action. “Our sewer plants have a design capacity of 80 megalitres, but we are currently channeling about 200 megalitres of sewage through them. We need to expand our plants to accommodate this excess, which is now being dumped into the lake, causing animal deaths and posing a health risk to residents,” Mudzingwa said.

The ongoing pollution crisis at Lake Chivero has highlighted the urgent need for action to protect the lake’s ecosystem and safeguard the health of both wildlife and humans.