LAKE CHIVERO POLLUTION: RESIDENTS DEMAND ACTION

Tafara Chibanda

RESIDENTS have criticised authorities for failing to hold to account those who are responsible for the unfolding ecological disaster at Lake Chivero and across the Manyame Catchment area.

They argue the fines imposed on those who are responsible for the pollution have done little to address the crisis.

The Harare Residents Trust (HRT) and Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) say the fines have become meaningless.

Addressing the media at a press conference, Harare Residents Trust Spokesperson Rueben Akili said;

 “It is cheaper for companies and institutions to pollute, pay a small fine, and continue business as usual meanwhile, the pollution stays, and communities bear the costs of unsafe water and environmental degradation.”

Programs Manager for the Community Water Alliance, Goodlife Mudzingwa, said the current system rewards polluters while vulnerable communities suffer.

“The fines are far too low to deter pollution. We have seen fines paid, but the contamination remains, and nothing is done to fix the damage.

“It is unacceptable that ordinary residents pay more for clean water while industries pollute without consequence,” Mudzingwa said.

Residents say the continued pollution is a clear failure of authorities to enforce the Environmental Management Act, which mandates that polluters must cover the costs of remediation.