Illicit fishing activities at Lake Chivero continue despite a ban imposed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) in 2024. 
The ban followed the death of an estimated 1,000 fish from cyanobacteria poisoning.
The toxic outbreak was linked to raw sewage runoff from the Marimba area, which polluted the lake’s multiple bays and created hazardous conditions for aquatic life.
However, a survey by the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200037352/fishermen-ignore-lake-chivero-ban">Independent</a> found that fishing persists at the lake. Vendors openly sell various fish species, including bream and catfish (muramba/umlamba), at Norton’s bustling fish market, allegedly sourced from Lake Chivero.
One local fisherwoman and vendor admitted to continuing her trade, showing little concern for potential health risks. She told the Independent:
<blockquote>
Most of the fish in the market are from Lake Chivero. l know them personally. They have their own distinct features and are big.
I do not think people will stop buying, selling or eating the fish despite fears that they may be contaminated.
We will continue to eat the fish; we have already done so and we are still alive. People wake up early in the morning before Zimparks arrive, and fish.
However, some fishermen and fisherwomen get them from Darwendale, it is close by, while some are picked from nearby bridges after being washed off from the lake.
</blockquote>
To assess the safety of fish sold in markets, the Independent purchased a catfish from Norton and had it tested at a reputable laboratory for chemical contaminants.
The results showed trace metals, including zinc, lead, cadmium, and mercury, but at levels considered safe for human consumption.
The lab tested the fish’s gills, liver, intestines, and muscle tissue. An official from the lab said the fish is safe to eat since it has no heavy metal contamination. The official said:
<blockquote>
The fish is safe to eat since it has no heavy metal contamination. There are trace metals present like zinc, lead, cadmium, manganese, iron, copper, mercury, arsenic, tin, cobalt and nickel.
The sample was mixed including the liver so there was too much iron, which is used for fortification.
</blockquote>
The results were zinc 25.9ppm, lead 0.22, manganese 1.64, iron 1.04, and copper 1.36. Cadmium, mercury, arsenic, tin, cobalt, nickel, and strontium were all &lt;0.01ppm.
However, the Independent could not verify if the catfish was caught from Lake Chivero.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the authority has increased law enforcement to protect lives.
He added that research is ongoing to determine why species like catfish and crocodiles survived the cyanobacteria outbreak while others died.
According to Zimparks, the cyanobacteria outbreak has killed four white rhinoceroses, three zebras, numerous birds, livestock, and over 1,000 fish.

Pindula News

Despite a ban on fishing at Lake Chivero due to poisoned fish, people are still catching and selling fish from the lake. Some vendors say the fish are safe to eat, but tests show low levels of metals. The authorities are trying to stop illegal fishing and understand why some animals survive the poisoning while others die. The ban was put in place to protect lives, but people continue to fish illegally and sell the fish at markets like nothing happened.

Illicit Fishing Continues Unabated At Lake Chivero Despite Ban

The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has suggested that the recent deaths of wildlife around Lake Chivero and in the Mid-Zambezi region were caused by poisonous substances used in open-cast mining at Chinese-owned establishments.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, and livestock from nearby farms died after drinking water in Lake Chivero contaminated with cyanobacteria.
ZimParks also confirmed that nineteen hippos have mysteriously died over the past three months in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located in the Mid-Zambezi region.
Preliminary findings suggest that the hippos succumbed to malnutrition due to severe drought, as they were found to have travelled up to 10 kilometres from their usual habitat in search of food.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, CNRG indicated that the deaths occurring during the rainy season suggest the animals drank water contaminated by toxic chemicals used in mining. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) is deeply concerned about the recent deaths of 19 hippos in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located along the Zambezi Valley.
According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) issued on January 7th, these tragic deaths occurred over the past three months.
This follows closely on the heels of another environmental disaster at Lake Chivero, where both wildlife and aquatic life have been decimated due to severe pollution.
The sudden and significant loss of these hippos highlights potential underlying environmental issues, such as habitat degradation, water pollution, or the detrimental effects of human activities in the area.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger wildlife conservation efforts and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to safeguard Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity.
In a broader context, CNRG is alarmed by the rapid growth of large-scale open-cast mining operations across Zimbabwe in the past five years, particularly those led by Chinese nationals collaborating with the country’s political elites.
These mining operations, which often completely disregard the rule of law, have raised serious concerns about their impact on local communities, the environment, and biodiversity.
A particularly controversial practice these operations employ is heap leaching, commonly used in gold recovery. This process involves treating gold ore with a dilute alkaline sodium cyanide solution.
While cost-effective for large-scale mining, heap leaching poses significant environmental and health risks.
The toxic chemicals used in the process can easily contaminate water sources and soil, leading to long-term ecological damage and harm to local populations.
It is no coincidence that the deaths of white rhinoceros and fish at Lake Chivero and the hippos in the Zambezi Valley occur during the rainy season.
The rains wash the poorly disposed cyanide into surface runoff, contaminating rivers and dams. The threat to humans is extremely high.
The expansion of destructive mining activities reflects deteriorating governance standards within Zimbabwe’s resource sector, often prioritizing short-term economic gains over environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.
This growing disregard for environmental laws is alarming, especially when coupled with the lack of meaningful oversight from the relevant authorities.
One of the most concerning examples of this is the case of Sino Africa Huijin, a Chinese mining syndicate operating at Premier Estate in Old Mutare.
In 2023, CNRG petitioned Parliament regarding the pollution of the Mutare River—a vital tributary of the Odzi River- caused by heap leaching techniques at this site.
Despite extensive oral evidence hearings involving CNRG, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the Ministry of Mines, which were concluded in May 2024, Parliament has yet to take any action.
The lack of a site visit to Premier Estate and the failure to address the petition has led to increasing frustration among local communities, environmental groups, and concerned citizens.
This ongoing inaction by Parliament is not only undermining public trust in governmental institutions, but it also signals a worrying indifference to the environmental and social consequences of unchecked mining activities.
<ul>
<li>CNRG calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the deaths of hippos to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect the remaining wildlife and prevent further losses.</li>
<li>Parliament should conduct an urgent site visit to Premier Estate, and take prompt, decisive action to address the violations raised in the petition. It is crucial that the concerns of local populations are taken seriously, and that Zimbabwe’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.</li>
<li>We urge Parliament to take immediate and decisive action to address the devastating environmental impact of mining activities across the country. The alarming rate of environmental degradation and pollution caused by these activities demands swift attention and effective mitigation measures.</li>
</ul>
CNRG remains committed to advocating for stronger environmental protections and will continue to hold accountable those responsible for the degradation of the country’s ecosystems.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The CNRG thinks that wildlife died in Lake Chivero and Mid-Zambezi because of chemicals from mining. The rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, fish eagles, and hippos died. CNRG wants to investigate why the animals died and how to protect the remaining wildlife. The chemicals from mining can hurt the environment, water, and animals. CNRG wants the government to take action to stop this damage from happening. They want to protect the environment for future generations. Wildlife and the environment are important and need to be taken care of.

CNRG Blames Mining Chemicals For Lake Chivero And Mid-Zambezi Wildlife Deaths

The government has announced that the ban on fishing activities at Lake Chivero will remain in effect until the Ministry of Health and Child Care completes thorough investigations.
This decision follows the death of wildlife and fish around the lake, which is suspected to be linked to raw effluent being discharged into the water daily by the City of Harare.
During a media briefing at the Munhumutapa Building in Harare on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni described the situation at Lake Chivero as critical.
She said that there is a need for a comprehensive approach to address pollution and ecological disturbances in the water body. Said Nyoni:
<blockquote>
Going forward, we will rope in the Ministry of Health to do the finding because we want to save lives. The ban cannot be lifted now and a whole of government and stakeholders’ approach is required to reverse the situation at Chivero.
</blockquote>
Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere said:
<blockquote>
We know that the councillors who are running Harare have failed, we hope that the Commission of Inquiry will determine if the councillors elected to run the authority can be replaced owing to their failures.
</blockquote>
Lake Chivero, located approximately 40 km southwest of Harare, is facing severe pollution, siltation, and ecological disturbances.
More than 20,000 families depend on the lake for both water and their livelihoods, particularly through fishing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has said no fishing at Lake Chivero due to fish and wildlife deaths. The pollution is from sewage by Harare. The Minister of Environment called the situation "critical". They need help from Health Ministry to solve the problem. People are worried about the water quality. The government might replace Harare councillors. The lake is polluted and this affects many families who rely on it for water and fishing.

Government Extends Fishing Ban At Lake Chivero

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the recent deaths of wildlife and fish at Lake Chivero were due to cyanide poisoning.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 25, ZimParks Spokesperson Tinashe Farawo reiterated that the fatalities were caused by cyanobacteria.
He said investigations conducted by the University of Zimbabwe, as well as assessments carried out by ZimParks’ Veterinary and Capture Unit, established that cyanobacteria was the cause of the deaths. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has noted with concern a letter circulating on social media alleging that the recent deaths of wildlife and fish at Lake Chivero are attributed to cyanide poisoning.
We wish to assure the public that thorough investigations conducted by the University of Zimbabwe and our own Veterinary and Capture Unit have conclusively shown that the deaths are, in fact, caused by cyanobacteria.
The Authority categorically distances itself from any misinformation circulating on various social media platforms.
We urge the public to disregard such unfounded claims and rely on official communication channels for accurate information.
ZimParks is committed to ensuring that the problem currently affecting Lake Chivero is rectified to preserve our natural heritage.
We are working tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZimParks says wildlife and fish at Lake Chivero did not die from cyanide. They say cyanobacteria caused the deaths. ZimParks did investigations with the University of Zimbabwe and their own unit to find out the cause. They want people to ignore fake news on social media and trust official sources. ZimParks is working to fix the problem at Lake Chivero and stop it from happening again.

ZimParks Denies Cyanide Poisoning Claims In Lake Chivero Wildlife Deaths

ZANU PF Politburo member Supa Mandiwanzira has accused the opposition CCC party of deflecting blame for the contamination of Lake Chivero, which has resulted in the deaths of wildlife and domestic animals and poses a threat to millions of residents.
The polluted water has led to the deaths of fish and animals, endangering the health of millions who rely on this water source.
The CCC-dominated Harare City Council has blamed the central government for the crisis, prompting a response from ZANU PF.
In an interview with <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/lake-chivero-mess-zanu-pf-warns-council/">Business Times</a>, Mandiwanzira, who is the ZANU PF secretary for Local Government, criticized the local authority for allegedly playing political games with people’s lives to score “brownie points.” Said Mandiwanzira:
<blockquote>
We recognize there is a real crisis and at this point, it is pointless to be pointing accusatory fingers at this party and that party because, at the end of the day, we need to resolve it.
Animals are dying, the people are affected and it is the responsibility of ZANU PF and the ZANU PF government to make sure that all Zimbabweans including the animals have safe drinking water.
We all know that the challenges are as a result of the incompetence of those who are running the city of Harare who are mainly the opposition but at this point, we are a party in government which is responsible for addressing all issues including that mess.
</blockquote>
Mandiwanzira also urged Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume to stop blaming illegal settlements for the lake’s contamination, saying the local authority must prevent such settlements from emerging. He said:
<blockquote>
The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the government of ZANU PF has been very clear it is opposed to land barons, it is opposed to developments that are taking place without authority. 
Ultimately the government does not go down to run the city of Harare or any other city, it is the responsibility of those given the mandate by the people of Harare to make sure these developments do not take place.
In most cases, we have found these illegal developments have plans approved by the same local authority so we believe this idea of pointing fingers at the government must stop.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF is upset with the CCC party for blaming them for the pollution of Lake Chivero in Harare, which is causing animal deaths and could harm people. They want to fix the problem instead of playing the blame game. ZANU PF thinks the Harare City Council should take responsibility for preventing illegal settlements near the lake that are polluting it. They say the government is against these settlements and the council should do its job properly to protect the water. It's important to stop fighting and work together to keep everyone safe.

ZANU PF Warns Harare City Council Over Lake Chivero Pollution

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) has temporarily banned fishing at Lake Chivero following the death of fish, wildlife and domestic animals, which is believed to be caused by water contamination.
ZIMPARKS spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed that the fishing ban, which took effect on December 16, is a precautionary measure.
It will allow relevant government departments, along with the Research and Scientific Services team, to conduct investigations and assess whether consuming the fish poses any risks to human health. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
All fishing activities in Lake Chivero have been suspended with immediate effect following the deaths of fish due to the contamination of water.
The suspension serves as a precautionary measure and will pave way for relevant Government departments and our Research and Scientific Services team to investigate more and determine whether the consumption of the fish poses risk to humans.
During this time, we are increasing anti-poaching patrols and law enforcement in areas around the lake to prevent any fish from reaching the market.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Richard Tsvangirai, the Member of Parliament for Norton (CCC), under whose constituency Lake Chivero falls, has urged the relevant authorities to expedite their investigations to safeguard both lives and livelihoods. Said Tsvangirai:
<blockquote>
The suspension of fishing at Lake Chivero is a serious blow to the livelihoods of many fishermen in Norton Constituency, the majority of whom are youth.
I urge the Government to fast-track investigations and provide immediate support for affected families. Let’s act swiftly to protect both lives and livelihoods.
</blockquote>
Chivero serves as the main water source for Harare residents, and concerns over its contamination have intensified in recent days.
This follows ZIMPARKS’ confirmation of the death of four rhinos, along with other wildlife, livestock, and birds, which perished after drinking from the lake.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMPARKS has stopped people from fishing at Lake Chivero because the water is contaminated and has killed fish and animals. They want to check if it's safe for people to eat the fish. The government is investigating. Richard Tsvangirai, a member of Parliament, is worried about the fishermen who rely on the lake for their livelihood. Lake Chivero provides water for people in Harare, so the contamination is a big concern. Four rhinos and other animals have died after drinking from the lake. The government needs to act quickly to protect people and animals.

ZIMPARKS Imposes Temporary Fishing Ban At Lake Chivero

Environmental and water rights campaigners have given a 48-hour ultimatum to the City of Harare (CoH), the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC) to decontaminate Lake Chivero and stop discharging raw sewage effluent into the primary water source.
The ultimatum was issued by the Harare Wetlands Trust (HWT), represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
This follows a press statement by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, reporting the deaths of several animals due to cyanobacteria contamination in Lake Chivero.
HWT believes the pollution is caused by CoH’s continued dumping of raw sewage into the lake, leading to a loss of animal life and making the water unsafe for human consumption.
HWT argued that CoH has a constitutional obligation to protect the environment and ensure a safe and healthy environment for citizens, as outlined in sections 73 and 4(2)(g) of the Environmental Management Act.
In the event of EMA failing to meet its demands, HWT said it will proceed to institute litigation against EMA. 
In its letter to UMSCC, HWT demanded that the statutory water management body should within 24 hours furnish it with details of the cause, nature and extent of the cyanobacteria contamination of Lake Chivero and share information as to whether any measures are being taken to de-contaminate Lake Chivero and specify the nature of such measures being taken.
The Trust also demanded that UMSCC should advise it if it has issued any measures and or recommendations to prevent the recurrence of the contamination of water in Lake Chivero and specify such measures and recommendations.
Failure to do so, HWT said, would leave it with no option but to take legal action against UMSCC to compel it to furnish the environmental and water rights campaigners with the requested information.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Environmental groups want City of Harare, EMA, and UMSCC to clean Lake Chivero and stop sewage dumping. Animals are dying from pollution, and water is not safe for people. The groups say CoH has a duty to protect the environment. If EMA doesn't act, legal action will be taken. HWT demands info on water contamination and prevention measures. UMSCC must give details or face legal action. The goal is to make sure the lake is clean and safe for everyone.

Environmentalists Threaten Legal Action Over Lake Chivero Sewage Dumping

The City of Harare said that reports of contamination at Lake Chivero are exaggerated, despite confirmation from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) that several animals, including four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, as well as multiple goats and cattle, have died after drinking water from the lake.
In a statement issued on Monday, the City of Harare said a stakeholder meeting had been convened, bringing together council experts and representatives from other government agencies to address the reports of animal deaths linked to alleged contamination.
The council also said that further investigations will be conducted, and a joint statement from the City of Harare and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) will be issued in due course. Said the City of Harare:
<blockquote>
Teams are already on the ground to take samples on the particular part of the lake the rhinos drink from. Animals are territorial and it appears they drink from the same place.
Residents are urged to ignore exaggerated social media and media reports that the whole lake has been contaminated.
</blockquote>
Earlier, Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said that the deaths were caused by contamination from cyanobacteria in the lake’s water.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare in Zimbabwe is saying that reports about Lake Chivero being contaminated are not true. Animals like rhinos and zebras have died after drinking from the lake, but the council says the contamination is not as bad as it seems. They are doing further investigations to find out the exact cause. The council is asking people to ignore exaggerated reports and wait for more information. The animals might have died from toxins in the water, but more tests are needed to be sure.

Harare City Council Claims Lake Chivero Is Not Contaminated

Over the weekend, more than 1,000 fish were found dead in Lake Chivero, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 15, Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo attributed the fish deaths to possible poisoning caused by sewage runoff from the Marimba area. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
At least 1,000 fish were found dead over the weekend in Lake Chivero.
Preliminary investigations indicate that sewage runoff from the Marimba area has forced contaminated water into multiple bays, creating hazardous conditions for aquatic life.
High pollution results in a boom in algae growth, this increases oxygen demand on the water body resulting in high mortality for the fish.
As wind patterns continue to shift, we anticipate that this issue may further impact fish populations across the lake.
In response, our team is currently on the ground carrying out further investigations on a broader scale.
</blockquote>
Zimparks recently confirmed that four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, and four fish eagles, along with several goats and cattle, have died after drinking water from Lake Chivero, the main water source for Harare.
Lake Chivero is facing a severe pollution crisis. The contamination is primarily from sewage effluent, industrial and domestic waste, and agricultural runoff.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

More than a thousand fish were found dead in Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe. The fish may have died because sewage from the Marimba area contaminated the water. Pollution causes algae to grow and use up oxygen, which can harm fish. The issue could spread to other parts of the lake. Other animals like rhinos and zebras have also been affected. The pollution in Lake Chivero is mainly from sewage, waste, and runoff from farms. Authorities are investigating the problem to try to help the animals and clean up the lake.

Sewage Contamination Suspected In Mass Fish Deaths At Lake Chivero

Almost 400 mega litres of raw and partially treated sewerage are flowing back to Lake Chivero daily, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has revealed.
The discharge of untreated sewage into Lake Chivero exposes Harare’s estimated 3.5 million consumers to serious health risks.
As a result, some Harare residents have abandoned drinking or cooking with Lake Chivero’s water, preferring to buy bottled water from shops.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200016684/146-000-megalitres-of-raw-sewage-gush-into-chivero">Zimbabwe Independent</a>, Amkela Sidange, environmental education and publicity manager at EMA, said flowing raw sewage has polluted both terrestrial ecosystems and water bodies. She said:
<blockquote>
Surveys by EMA indicate that an estimated 399 mega litres of raw and partially treated sewer are discharged into Lake Chivero (daily), which is one of the most pronounced drivers in pollution of the lake thus contaminating and polluting both terrestrial ecosystems and water bodies.
</blockquote>
The destruction of wetlands across the country due to urban sprawl and the unchecked parcelling out of State land by politically-connected land barons has worsened the situation.
Sidange said there was hope that under the National Wetland Masterplan, the ecologically fragile ecosystems can be preserved. She said:
<blockquote>
Wetland utilisation should only be done under a licence from EMA, failure of which can result in prosecution.
Commendable government efforts have been recorded recently, including the gazetting of the National Wetland Master Plan.
Increasing wetland area under sustainable management is one of the key objectives of the National Development Strategy.
To date, an estimated 252 000 hectares against a target of 500 000 hectares have been put under sustainable management
</blockquote>
Early this week, the City of Harare temporarily closed its water treatment plant due to a phenomenon called “lake turn” at Lake Chivero.
The local government authority explained that the “lake turn” occurred as a result of a sudden weather change on the night of 12 September.
It said the warm and dirty water at the bottom of the lake rose to the abstraction point (the level where water is drawn from the lake to the treatment works for treatment).
As a result, the City shut down “the plant to allow for adjustment of abstraction levels to draw better quality raw water for treatment.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

399 Megalitres Of Raw Sewage Flow Into Lake Chivero Daily - EMA

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is appealing to members of the public to help in the identification of a man who drowned in Lake Chivero on Saturday.
ZRP said the deceased man’s body was found floating on Saturday after sunset. Pindula News presents the police statement on the case:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is appealing to members of the public to assist in the identification of a male adult whose body was found floating in Lake Chivero on 12/12/21 at about 0900 hours. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>
While swimming at the Lake is said to be “at own risk,” safety measures that were in place on Saturday were not enough to prevent drowning.
There were not enough barriers to block holidaymakers from going to the deep ends. Neither were there any Lake attendants to monitor the public.
This reporter witnessed some individuals, about three, swimming as far as 75 metres from the shores and one wonders what could have happened if one encountered difficulties whilst in the waters.
Some of the individuals in the Lake were visibly drunk.
The majority of swimmers were aged between 13 and 40 while the rest were either young kids who were with their parents or a few who were over 40.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

An Unidentified Man Drowns In Lake Chivero

Morton Jaffray Waterworks Plant has been refurbished by a Chinese firm, China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC).
The plant has been equipped with new equipment most of which is automated. Project executive director, Cao Yang said:
<blockquote>We have equipped Morton Jaffray with world-class equipment which will last for 20 to 30 years, and most of the machinery is automated.
I have given the best staff to ensure the system works well.
We desire to see Harare receiving adequate water.
The city has immense potential to grow and we desire to ensure this happens.</blockquote>
Cao, however, bemoaned the excessive levels of water pollution at Lake Chivero which has, in turn, reduced the volume of treatable water.
He revealed that some parts of the Lake are now dead, as the water is polluted to such an extent that it is no longer treatable.
He urged the government to take a look at the situation at the Lake and find alternative sources of water for Harare residents.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/morton-jaffray-on-path-to-modernisation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Morton Jaffray Waterworks Undergoes Refurbishment

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Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs minister Oliver Chidawu said has revealed that the Council is pumping almost 82% of untreated sewerage into the Lake Chivero. The Lake is the main water source for Harare.
Chidawu revealed also that the Crowborough sewer treatment plant is incapacitated to process the sewer that it receives. He said:
<blockquote>The biggest problem we have got is waste water pollution, taking an example from Crowbrough sewage works, which is receiving about 100 mega litres of raw sewage per day against its installed capacity of 54 mega litres.
The current infrastructure at the treatment works is only processing 18 mega litres and the rest is being pumped into the lake. We are all drinking dirty water and if action is not taken, we will all die.</blockquote>
The local authority is also failing to treat water arguing that it does not have enough foreign currency.
<a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2018/01/07/city-fathers-abused-144m-bank-loan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harare city fathers are alleged to have misused US$144 loan from the Chinese Import and Export</a> Bank that was meant for the rehabilitation of both sewer and water treatment plants. Reports suggest that city management used the money to buy luxurious cars for themselves.
The council has however started paying back the loan using ratepayers and residents’ monthly rates which was supposed to go towards service delivery.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/06/harare-pumping-raw-sewerage-into-dam/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

"We're Drinking Dirty Water, We Will All Die,” Chidawu Speaks On Raw Sewer Pumped Into Lake Chivero

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has reported that water levels in dams have vastly decreased.
ZINWA corporate communications and marketing manager, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga informed that the national dam level average now stands at 69,3 percent
Mrs Munyonga said the commencement of the winter cropping season is set to increase pressure on the dams. She theresore advised farmers to make arrangements that ensure water availability for their crops and livestock. Munyonga said:
<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle"></div>
<blockquote>Zinwa appeals to all farmers who will be involved in winter cropping to ensure that they have the relevant water abstraction agreements for them to have irrigation water reserved for them in the dams.
No water shall be reserved in the dams for unregistered users while Zinwa shall also intensify its monitoring activities along river channels to ensure that all illegal water use is eliminated.</blockquote>
Major irrigation and water supply dams around the country including Chivero Dam, Mazvikadei, Mazowe Dam, Rufaro, Mtshabezi Dam, Upper Ncema, Insiza, Tugwi Mukosi, Manjirenji, Mutirikwi, Wenimbi and Osborne dams have registered significant decreases in water levels.
<h3>Related:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/20/beitbridge-loses-over-450-cattle-drought/" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/20/beitbridge-loses-over-450-cattle-drought/&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwimweeI2OLhAhUK-YUKHdp7AVMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=partner-pub-2833808250787996:9370281611&amp;usg=AOvVaw0FqdLebeBWChQv249Eesw7" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/20/beitbridge-loses-over-450-cattle-drought/&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwimweeI2OLhAhUK-YUKHdp7AVMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=partner-pub-2833808250787996:9370281611&amp;usg=AOvVaw0FqdLebeBWChQv249Eesw7" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Beitbridge Loses Over 450 Cattle To Drought </a></li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/dam-levels-decline/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

Winter Cropping Season In Jeopardy As Dam Water Levels Vastly Decrease

Harare’s main water supply dam, Lake Chivero, is said to be dying a slow death due to a number of factors among which are droughts, algae, destruction of wetlands, siltation and invasion by the water hyacinth weed.
The City’s acting director for water, Mabhena Moyo said that the low water levels in tha dam are attribuatble to low rainfall. In an interview with State media, Mabhena said:
<blockquote>We have problems because of the low amount of rainfall we have received over the years. Normally, the lake would be spilling by end of December up until February. We have so far only had an increase in water levels of three or so metres.</blockquote>
Garry Stafford, who operates Kuimba Shiri-a bird sanctuary located on the shores of Lake Chivero said that the main cause of the reseivor’s death is the destruction of wetlands:
<blockquote>This problem has been foretold a long time ago, so people in Harare have to be used to this fact that if you continue to build on wetlands, if you continue to destroy the wetlands you are going to destroy this lake.
Wetland holds water over a long period and then release the water slowly and over a long period, resuscitating the lake in the process.
What has happened is that our previous administrations have gone and built on wetlands and destroyed them and what we are witnessing here at Chivero in the last ten years is what we call flash flooding.</blockquote>
<h2>Related:</h2>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/01/08/lake-chivero-left-with-18-months-water-supply/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lake Chivero Left With 18 Months Water Supply</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/lake-chiveros-slow-foretold-death">The Sunday Mail</a></h3>

Lake Chivero Slowly Dying Due To Rampant Destruction Of Wetlands

Whenever a Zimbo specifically the ones in and around Harare hear that someone wants to go to the lake, the first picture that often comes to mind is the braai on the shore of the lake and probably a tour of the dam wall and spillway.
Those people would be right but this is just a fraction of what’s offered by this reservoir and its ecosystem. Another section of it is the Lake Chivero Recreational Park which in addition to the braai and the beach also incorporates some wildlife into the landscape. Here you can catch sight of a number of game including impala, water buck and yes rhinos. The video below can Hopefully motivate you to #VisitZimbabwe

Lake Chivero Latest News

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