By Correspondent
Harare Council has been given 48 hours by the Harare Wetlands Trust (HWT) to stop the pollution of Lake Chivero which has resulted in the death of wildlife and livestock.
HWT, represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said HCC has 48 hours to stop endangering the people and wildlife.
“We have given a 48-hour ultimatum to CoH, EMA and Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC).
“(They should) immediately stop endangering the lives of people and animals through decontaminating Lake Chivero.
The organisation added that Council should also stop the discharge of raw sewage effluent into the capital city’s primary water source.
HWT said it had learnt about the contamination of Lake Chivero from a press statement published by Zimparks on 13 December.
According to Zimparks four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles as well as an undisclosed number of cattle and goats from nearby farms have died due to cyanobacteria contamination at Lake Chivero Recreational Park.
Thousands of fish have also reportedly died due to the contamination.
HWT said it reasonably believes that the pollution by cyanobacteria in Lake Chivero is caused by CoH’s conduct.
Ages-Long Pollution of Lake
Council has constantly dumped raw sewage effluent into Lake Chivero over the years.
Several people carry out fishing activities in Lake Chivero in which they obtain fish for resale and consumption.
According to HWT this has a ripple effect on people consuming contaminated fish.
“More disconcerting, HWT said, is that the cyanobacteria pollution makes the water in Lake Chivero unsafe and dangerous for human consumption and use.
However Council has allayed fears and the Mayor Jacob Mafume is set to address the issue on Tuesday.
“Further investigations will be done and the city of Harare and the EMA will issue a joint statement as soon as possible.
“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.”
