The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara
LAKE Chivero — Harare’s primary water source — is under siege.
Sprawling illegal settlements, land degradation, water pollution and deforestation are threatening the survival of one of the capital’s prime tourist attractions.
Last week, The Sunday Mail Society visited areas surrounding the lake on a fact-finding mission. Below, are some of the disturbing findings.
Illegal settlements
As one approaches the lake’s eastern shores, a sprawling settlement with temporary shelters haphazardly erected just outside one the lake’s boundary fences suddenly springs into view.
The areas surrounding the lake have been invaded by illegal settlers. Some of the houses were built a few metres from the fence that marks the territory under the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks). However, the settlers insist they are not squatters.
“We have all the necessary papers. We have done everything according to the law and we are here to stay,” said Fainos Moyana, whose wooden cabin is less than 500 metres from the lake.
Across Moyana’s stand is a building that houses the offices of Dumfarb Housing Trust, one of the many entities that are parcelling land in the area. Tapiwa Kanjera, a Dumfarb Trust representative, said his organisation lawfully acquired the land.
“We have the papers. Everything was done above board and you can check with the authorities,” he said.
The area falls under the jurisdiction of Zvimba Rural District Council. However, Enias Chidhakwa, the Zvimba Rural District Council chief executive officer, said the local authority was investigating reports of illegal settlements.
“As far as I know, we are yet to formally allocate land in the area that you are referring to. We received land applications for the development of residential stands at Walwick Farm, but the application is being looked into,” Chidhakwa said.
Illegal settlements have sprouted in areas that belong to the Harare City Council.
Michael Chideme, Harare City Council spokesperson, said if there are any illegal structures, council will seek legal recourse.
“We are guided by the law. Those that are building illegal structures on council land risk having their structures destroyed,” he said.
Deforestation
In recent years, firewood poachers from as far as Kuwadzana have been wantonly cutting down trees in areas surrounding the lake.
A visit to the Zimparks office at the lake revealed 10 vehicles laden with wood that had been impounded.
Government is currently targeting tree poachers and unauthorised firewood sellers.
Offenders are fined up to $14 500 or face a two-year jail term. They are expected to pay a $150 admission of guilt fine. Wonder Kanyati, who works for a bird sanctuary that is located on the shores of the lake, said action must be taken to stop the illegal logging.
“When I first came here in 1985, this place was a thick forest. Now look at what the wood poachers have done. As you can see, the trees were cut and one can even see buildings in Budiriro,” remarked Kanyati.
Poaching
Poaching for fish and animals is another headache for Zimparks.
More than 100 canoes that were impounded for illegal fishing were being kept at the parastatal’s office at the lake as exhibits. Among the impounded items were fishing nets.
According to Zimparks, an average of 250 people are arrested for poaching fish in Lake Chivero every month.
Those caught using canoes without a permit pay a US$150 fine. Nets that are impounded are forfeited to the State.
Tinashe Farawo, the Zimparks spokesperson, said illegal settlements around the lake are posing serious challenges.
“Apart from poaching fish and firewood, the settlers are also causing water pollution and environmental degradation.
“The sad thing is that these people are being allocated land outside our jurisdiction and there is nothing that we can do about it,” Farawo said.
Illegal mining
Illegal miners that had set up camp at Kintyre Estates, just outside the lake before they were driven off the area, are slowly coming back and are tearing into a mountain supporting the walls of Lake Chivero.
As a consequence, they are increasing the pollution of the already toxic lake.
Illegal gold mining has moved to within metres of Morton Jaffray waterworks, putting the lives of Harare and Norton residents at risk.
The panners use mercury for purifying their gold. Raw sewage flows into Manyame River and ultimately into Lake Chivero, posing serious health risks to the public.
Industrial, agricultural and domestic activities taking place in the city are to blame for the pollution. Once considered a source of clean water and disease-free fish, the lake is now a serious health hazard.
A survey conducted by Environmental Management Agency (EMA) revealed that the country’s city and town councils are largely to blame for water pollution in the major dams.
The municipal sewage system has basically collapsed.
Chitungwiza Municipality, about 25 kilometres south-east of the capital, has contributed massively to the pollution of Lake Chivero by emptying its waste into two rivers that flow into the lake.
Council believes that through rehabilitating all its major water treatment plants, public health threats and environmental pollution will be reduced.
