THE shocking sight of thousands of dead fish washing up on the shores of Lake Chivero has sparked outrage among Harare’s 1,3 million residents, who depend on the lake for their water supply.
This devastating environmental disaster, caused by bacterial poisoning, raises urgent questions about the accountability of city leaders and their commitment to safeguarding the city’s critical water resources.
The lifeless fish, ordinarily a vital source of protein for the capital’s residents, expose the extent of an ecological catastrophe that has spiralled out of control.
A grim statement from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) detailed the crisis’s toll on wildlife. Among the casualties are four endangered rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeest, and four fish eagles, all poisoned after drinking water contaminated with toxic cyanobacteria.
This ecological disaster is a symptom of deeper neglect.
In February, Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora warned of the health risks posed by Lake Chivero’s pollution, citing the presence of dangerous bacteria such as escherichia coli, giardia lamblia, salmonella typhi, and vibrio cholerae.
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These pathogens, linked to faecal contamination, cause life-threatening diseases including cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and salmonella. Despite being warned of the impending danger, the local authority did not institute any remedial action to avert the unfolding crisis.
On a daily basis, Harare City Council spews 80 million litres of raw sewage from a dilapidated pipeline that runs from Amalinda to Firle sewage works and finally into the lake.
This has been going on for the past four years as the powers that be at Town House haggle over tenders associated with replacing the corroded pipeline. This has exposed people and wildlife to danger.
Lake Chivero, once a pristine body, has over the years degenerated into a filthy pool of turbid water due to gross mismanagement by the city fathers.
Exactly four years ago, in yet another warning of the now unfolding crisis, the Zimbabwe Independent, revealed in an investigation that Harare City Council was pumping to residents water laced with toxins that cause liver and central nervous system diseases.
Ironically, these findings were based on a study commissioned by the local authority itself undertaken by South African firm Nanotechnology Water Solutions.
The same company was later engaged by Harare City Council to install a chlorine dioxide treatment plant.
The plant can remove toxins from the water. But it has not been allowed to do its work. Our initiative this week to have water pumped to residents tested by a reputable laboratory proved what we already knew.
Harare’s water is not safe for consumption. Harare City Council must be held accountable.