If Lake Chivero dies, Harare’s clean water supply dies with it.
By Nevison Mpofu*
Land Barons and Unchecked Development
Lake Chivero, Harare’s primary water source, faces an existential threat from rampant housing projects.
Speculators and land barons are pushing developments from Norton to Darwendale along the Hunyani River, with new stands creeping down steep gradients that drain directly into the lake.
Such settlements require strong sewage systems, reliable waste management, and careful water-piping infrastructure. Yet approvals appear to have been granted without these safeguards, exposing the lake to untreated runoff, erosion, and mass wasting during heavy rains.
Pollution on the Rise
Already, toxic inflows from the Mukuvisi and Hunyani Rivers burden the lake. Nutrient-rich waste accelerates invasive aquatic plants and phytoplankton, suffocating fish and other aquatic life.
Scientists warn the lake could become biologically dead within 10–20 years, its waters rendered hard and undrinkable by dioxins and other pollutants.
Accountability and Possible Corruption
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is legally mandated to safeguard water resources.
If proper Environmental Impact Assessments were conducted, how were these developments approved?
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) must investigate potential graft. Other agencies—including the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, ZINWA, the City of Harare, and the Ministries of Health and Environment—must also answer for their silence.
Civil society groups like the Harare Residents’ Association and Community Water Trust cannot wait for disaster to act.
Environmental Democracy at Stake
Access to clean water is a constitutional right. When decisions affecting millions are made behind closed doors, environmental democracy is undermined.
Zimbabwe has already suffered deadly cholera outbreaks linked to contaminated water.
Allowing new developments to pollute Lake Chivero risks repeating those tragedies.
A Call for a Multi-Stakeholder Response
Saving Lake Chivero demands a united front:
- Government: Enforce environmental laws and strengthen city by-laws.
- Regulatory agencies: Conduct transparent, independent reviews of all projects.
- Civil society & residents: Demand accountability and participate in decision-making.
- International partners (WHO, UNICEF): Provide technical support and oversight.
A dedicated Lake Chivero Authority—modeled on the Zambezi River Authority—could coordinate conservation, monitor pollution, and enforce regulations.
Preserving Nature for Future Generations
Protecting Lake Chivero is not only about today’s drinking water; it is about safeguarding Zimbabwe’s ecological heritage for generations to come.
*Nevison Mpofu is a multi-award-winning journalist writing in his personal capacity. Contact: +263-771-604-577 | +263-719-470-420 | nmnevsonmpofu755@gmail.com
