By Maxwell Mapungwana
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has secured a High Court order compelling Chitungwiza Municipality to stop discharging raw sewage into the environment.
Court Interdict
The order, granted on September 30 interdicts it from unlawfully discharging raw sewage into any water source in contravention of the EMA Act [Chapter 20:27].
The Municipality was also directed to take all lawful and reasonably practicable measures to prevent further pollution.
EMA said it approached the court after numerous engagements, fines and Environmental Protection Orders failed to yield action.
Enforcement Powers Strengthened
The judgment empowers EMA to pursue contempt of court proceedings should the Municipality defy the order.
It comes days after a similar order was issued against the City of Harare on October 2.
A National Pollution Crisis
The two rulings underscore a growing national crisis.
According to EMA, an estimated 415 megalitres of raw and partially treated sewage are discharged into the environment daily.
Most monitored urban rivers now have high nutrient loads, depressed dissolved oxygen levels, and phosphate concentrations.
These exceed permissible limits by up to 12 times, threatening aquatic ecosystems and public health.
EMA is urging local authorities to urgently invest in rehabilitation of sewage treatment infrastructure and adopt best practices in wastewater management to protect rivers and communities.
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