By Lynette Manzini
Harare’s major rivers are facing dangerous levels of pollution due to industrial effluent and untreated sewage, sparking growing concern among residents and environmental advocates.
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) Director Reuben Akili, has warned that the current situation poses a serious threat to both public health and the environment.
Speaking to Open Parly ZW, Akili identified the primary culprits behind the water crisis:
“The rivers are being polluted by industrial pollutants and a non-functional sewer system. The plant is dead, and industries are discharging effluent directly into the rivers.”
He specifically pointed to the Marimba River, which feeds into Lake Chivero, Harare’s main water source, as a major concern.
“The level of pollution from industrial effluent and the non-functional sewer treatment plant in Marimba River is a big threat to biodiversity and water,” Akili added.
Lake Chivero has long suffered from contamination, with regular reports of algal blooms, fish kills, and foul odors.
Environmentalists attribute this to excessive nutrient loads, particularly nitrates and phosphates, from untreated waste flowing into the lake.
Akili called for urgent remedial action.
“There is need for the rehabilitation of the plant and enforcement of municipal by-laws and environmental laws.
“The ‘polluter pays’ principle in the Environmental Management Act is not being implemented.”
The Firle Sewage Treatment Plant, which is meant to process a significant portion of the city’s waste, has operated well below capacity for years.
Reports from the Auditor General and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) have repeatedly cited the plant’s dysfunction and lack of enforcement against polluters as ongoing failures of governance.
Environmental experts warn that unless immediate investments are made in water and sanitation infrastructure, Harare’s water security and the health of ecosystems like Lake Chivero, will continue to decline.
