Lake Chivero, once a lifeline for Harare’s water supply and a thriving ecosystem, is now drowning under decades of unchecked sewage pollution.
This crisis, born from years of neglect, is not merely an environmental disaster but a ticking health time bomb. With raw sewage spilling relentlessly into its tributaries from Harare and Chitungwiza, the lake’s degradation paints a grim picture of mismanagement and neglect that demands urgent attention.
Lake Chivero is suffering heavily from ongoing sewage pollution caused by the opposition-led Harare and Chitungwiza councils. Both councils seem unconcerned about the crisis and act as if it is normal. In Chitungwiza, raw sewage spills into the Duri River, which feeds into the Hunyani River, while suburbs like St. Mary’s and Manyame Park worsen the contamination by discharging untreated waste directly into the Hunyani River. Harare suburbs follow suit, funneling untreated sewage that eventually finds its way into Lake Chivero, amplifying the dire state of the once-vital water source.
Rather than addressing this critical issue, the councils seem preoccupied with less urgent matters. In Chitungwiza, for instance, council officials focus on clamping vehicles and enforcing parking regulations. Their operations, often conducted without uniforms at precarious hours such as 5 a.m. at Seke C Junction, expose motorists to potential encounters with criminals. Meanwhile, Harare’s Central Business District faces similar neglect, with councils prioritizing executive perks and costly seminars over pressing community needs.
The environmental impact of this neglect is devastating. Fish and wildlife in and around Lake Chivero are dying due to the pollution. But the consequences extend beyond the environment—what happens if someone drinks water from the lake or consumes contaminated fish? The long-term health risks to the community are profound and cannot be ignored.
Residents continue to demand accountability and action from the opposition-led councils to address the ongoing sewage crisis. Immediate and effective measures are essential to mitigate the pollution, restore the lake’s health, and protect both the environment and the people who depend on it.
