daniel chigunwe
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
THE Government is working on establishing an emergency sewer reticulation rehabilitation fund that will be dedicated to upgrading the ageing wastewater management system in Harare and surrounding towns, with US$250 million proposed for the project.
This comes as authorities have revealed that Lake Chivero is facing an ecological disaster, as an estimated 415 megalitres of raw and partially treated sewage are discharged daily into the water body.
The lake, whose depth was 27 metres, has been reduced to 20,7 metres due to accumulation of sediment, which compromises aquatic life and biodiversity.
Currently, research is being conducted on biological remediation techniques, including the use of effective microorganisms, to rehabilitate contaminated areas within Lake Chivero.
During the Ministers Meet the Media session in Harare on Thursday, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni said: “US$250 million has been set in motion to address the current situation at Lake Chivero and revamp ageing wastewater management systems in Ruwa, Chitungwiza and Harare.”
The Government, Dr Nyoni said, had made significant strides to help the Harare City Council rehabilitate its water system, despite the formidable challenges facing Lake Chivero.
“This situation not only endangers biodiversity but also affects local communities’ dependence on the lake for water and livelihood.
“The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife is committed to addressing these challenges collaboratively with stakeholders to restore and preserve this critical ecosystem for future generations,” she said.
According to Minister Nyoni, a correlation exists between increasing population levels and the heightened discharge of effluent into Lake Chivero.
Daily, 415 megalitres of untreated/partially treated sewage are discharged into Lake Chivero, posing health risks and harming wildlife, she said.
“Increased effluent discharges from urban, industrial and agricultural sources have led to heightened levels of heavy metals, nitrates, phosphates and toxic cyanobacteria in the water, resulting in hazardous conditions for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
“An estimated 415 megalitres of raw and partially treated sewage are discharged daily, resulting in ecological degradation and heightened public health risks,” she said.
“The proliferation of harmful algal blooms has led to increased mortality rates among key species, including fish, rhinos and various bird species, jeopardising the balance of the ecosystem.”
She said efforts aimed at reviewing and strengthening regulations governing waste management and practices to protect Lake Chivero ecosystem are being made.
“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has continuously raised consciousness about the implications of environmental neglect, alongside the initiation of successful rehabilitation programmes at several mining sites.
“Funding initiatives to ringfence user fees for wastewater management have gained traction, enabling directed fund allocations for necessary infrastructure improvements.”
At the same briefing session, EMA director-general Mr Aaron Chigona said legal action was being taken against polluters.
“Various local authorities have faced legal proceedings for their role in water pollution, demonstrating accountability in environmental governance. We have also sought to take High Court orders,” he said.
