Lake Chivero, Harare’s main water source, is grappling with an environmental crisis that poses significant threats to both wildlife and human health. Alarming levels of pollution, primarily from untreated sewage, have triggered a surge in harmful cyanobacteria, leading to dire consequences for the ecosystem.
Recent reports reveal the tragic loss of several animals, including four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, and four fish eagles, all believed to have succumbed to toxic algae blooms. Additionally, over 1,000 dead fish have washed ashore, raising serious concerns among local fishermen and consumers. Despite the risks, some fishermen continue to harvest fish from the lake, asserting that live fish are safe as they can easily spot the dead ones.
Nearby farms are also feeling the impact of contamination. Vareta Kupanyira, manager of Cumbrae Farm, noted that four of their cattle developed sores after drinking from the lake. “When the borehole runs dry due to power outages, they have no choice but to drink from the lake,” he explained, underscoring the dangers of polluted water.
Ecologist Professor Christopher Magadza has sounded the alarm over the lake’s deteriorating condition. He warns that rising temperatures could lead to a permanent shift towards cyanobacteria dominance, particularly given the current nutrient overload. These bacteria thrive in warm, nutrient-rich waters and release toxins that are hazardous to both wildlife and humans.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has confirmed the connection between the rising pollution levels and the deaths of local fauna. Investigations indicate that sewage runoff from the Marimba area has contaminated various parts of the lake, creating perilous conditions for aquatic life. ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo stated that the excessive pollution fosters algae growth, which depletes oxygen in the water and contributes to the fish die-off.
In an attempt to mitigate the impact, ZimParks has placed salt blocks and artificial water sources with clean water to deter wildlife from drinking from the lake. However, these measures have not been effective, as animals continue to consume the contaminated water.
Lake Chivero, recognized as one of Zimbabwe’s Ramsar-protected sites, is vital not only for its role as a water source but also as a habitat for diverse species, including white rhinos, zebras, pangolins, and over 400 bird species. Efforts to temporarily address pollution issues in the area have largely failed, prompting urgent calls for a collaborative approach from both the government and society to resolve the crisis.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Harare City Council insists that the treated water supplied to over a million residents meets safety standards. Mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged the algae issue but reassured the public that water treatment procedures adhere to World Health Organization guidelines. “Every year, we see fish dying from oxygen depletion caused by the algae. The heat exacerbates the situation, but we expect improvements with the upcoming rains,” he stated.
Mayor Mafume highlighted the necessity of expanding sewer treatment facilities to manage the excess sewage currently overwhelming the system. “Our treatment plants can handle 80 megalitres, but we’re processing about 200. We need to work with the Taskforce and the Ministry of Local Government to resolve this,” he added.
In 2020, the Ministry of Environment initiated a campaign to designate Lake Chivero and Darwendale Dams as ecologically sensitive areas under the Environmental Management Act. This initiative aims to safeguard vital freshwater sources and biodiversity, especially as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Ramsar Convention CoP15 in July, focusing on sustainable wetland use.
The situation at Lake Chivero highlights the urgent need for effective environmental stewardship and resource management to protect both wildlife and public health in the region.
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