Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has stopped the construction of the Watervlei Burial Memorial Park, which was recently approved by the Harare City Council. The park is located along Seke Road, adjacent to the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant.
Mombeshora halted the project over concerns that decomposing human remains and chemicals could contaminate water due to the site’s proximity to the water treatment facility.
In a letter addressed to Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, Mombeshora said no consultations had been conducted with the Ministry of Health and Child Care regarding the project. He said:
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This falls short of the requirements of the Public Health Act… Corpses discharge chemicals and impurities that could seep into the groundwater.
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Mombeshora said the cemetery’s location violates World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which recommend a buffer zone of at least 1 to 2 kilometers between cemeteries and water treatment facilities.
Despite warnings from the Harare Water Department about potential health risks, the Harare City Council granted a permit for the cemetery’s construction. Said Mombeshora:
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The cemetery is too close to the stream, raising the chances of contamination of Seke Dam’s ground and surface water.
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The envisaged cemetery’s proximity to the stream that feeds into the raw water source increases the risk of pollution, echoing the recent Lake Chivero pollution incident that devastated local wildlife and fish populations.

Pindula News

A new cemetery was stopped by the Health Minister because it's too close to a water treatment plant in Harare. Decomposing bodies and chemicals could pollute the water. The Health Minister says the cemetery violates health guidelines from the World Health Organisation. The Harare City Council approved the cemetery despite warnings about health risks. The Minister is worried about contamination of the water source. This could harm the environment and animals living in the area. The Minister wants the cemetery to be at least 1 to 2 kilometers away from the water treatment plant to keep the water safe.

Health Minister Blocks Construction Of Cemetery Near Water Treatment Facility

Chitungwiza’s water supply is set to improve following the recommissioning of the Prince Edward Waterworks, located near the town.
The plant had been shut down in August 2024 due to low water levels in the Harava and Seke dams. However, on Thursday, 6 March, the City of Harare, which owns the Prince Edward Waterworks, announced that Harava Dam had been spilling since Sunday, and Seke Dam is now 97% full.
With both dams now at improved levels, the City will be able to draw water for treatment at the plant, restoring supply to Chitungwiza, which has been largely without water since August 2024.
The reopening of the Prince Edward Waterworks comes as welcome news, as it will significantly boost water production and distribution for residents.

Chitungwiza's water supply will get better as Prince Edward Waterworks, which was closed in 2024, is reopened. Harava and Seke dams are now full, so water treatment can start again. People in Chitungwiza who have been without water since 2024 will finally get water. The reopening of the waterworks will help make more water for residents.

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