Harare Wetlands Trust demands urgent decontamination of Lake Chivero

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

Environmental and water rights advocates, the Harare Wetlands Trust (HWT) have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the City of Harare, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC) to immediately address the severe contamination of Lake Chivero to avoid a lawsuit.
This comes after the recent deaths of numerous animals, including rhinos, zebras and wildebeests due to cyanobacteria poisoning.
HWT said the continuous discharge of raw sewage into the lake by the City of Harare has created a toxic environment that poses significant risks to both wildlife and human health.
In letters sent to the relevant authorities, HWT highlighted the constitutional rights of citizens to a safe and healthy environment.
They emphasised the potential health hazards associated with consuming contaminated water and fish from the lake.
The environmental group called upon the authorities to urgently facilitate decontamination and cease discharging sewerage into the water body.
HWT said legal action will be taken if the authorities fail to comply with their demands.