THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in Masvingo has expressed concern over pollution levels in Mucheke River, the main tributary for Lake Mutirkwi which is the sole water source for the City of Masvingo.
BY REGIS CHINGAWO
EMA Masvingo provincial manager Rabson Mavhondo yesterday said the agency had sent water samples collected from the river to a laboratory in Harare to determine the pollution levels.
“It’s true that Mucheke River is under pollution and we have taken samples from the river for further testing at a laboratory in Harare. We are currently waiting for results and once they are out, we will avail them for public consumption,” Mavhondo said.
He could not be drawn into divulging the culprits behind the water pollution.
“It is premature to reveal the causes or the culprits. I won’t say anything further until sample results are out,” Mavhondo said.
In 2014, the city council was fined $8 000 for discharging raw sewage into Mucheke River.
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Currently, the growth of hyacinth plant has increased in the river which has virtually dried up.
Apart from Mucheke, Shakashe is another river in the city which feeds into Lake Mutirikwi.
During a recent council meeting, city fathers raised concern over the increased pollution in tributaries that feeds into Lake Mutirikwi, saying this affected the quality of raw water.
“The quality of treated water remained good despite the plant (at Bushmead water works) receiving poor raw water. The poor raw water quality was attributed to high pollution level and falling Lake Mutirikwi levels,” the minutes read.
The city’s 120 000 residents rely on Lake Mutirikwi for their water supplies.
