Staff Writer
Government has been implored to review and reform environmental water laws following the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission’ s concern over city of Harare’s faliure to protect water sources.
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) said over the years, water at Lake Chivero has been subjected to unchecked pollution.
“The intervention by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission is a clear affirmation of the residents’ long standing concerns over the city of Harare’s failure to protect water sources and guarantee the right to safe, clean and potable water as enshrined in section 77 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Lake Chivero for years has been subjected to unchecked pollution from raw sewage discharge, industrial affluent and solid waste due to lack of enforcement of water pollution laws.”
CHRA noted that water in Lake Chivero and Darwendale has been compromised.
“We reiterate that bad raw water quality at Lake Chivero and Darwendale dam has compromised water quality and quantity within the local authority area.The situation has been further worsened by the porous water distribution network which poses serious risks of recontamination of treated water.
Water pollution at Lake Chivero is a serious public health issue which must not be under played and requires thorough investigation which include robust water tests both chemical and biological and analysis on the implication of human health.”
CHRA added:
“Perpetual Cholera outbreaks within Harare are a symptom of poor planning, there is overwhelming evidence from the Upper Manyame Sub catchment council and the city of Harare that most boreholes in the western and southern parts were contaminated with coliforms which causes water borne disease outbreaks.”
CHRA called on government to craft environmental water laws that will monitor the water standards in Harare.
“We call upon government to review and reform of environmental water laws and cause the establishment of a drinking water inspectorate housed within the ministry of health or independent, to allow checks and balances on reporting water quality, and ensuring effective monitoring of drinking water standards within the city.”
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, along with senior city officials, on Thursday last week appeared before the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) to respond to allegations of violating residents’ environmental and water rights due to poor water and sewer management.
The commission is investigating long-standing concerns over the contamination of Lake Chivero, the city’s main water source and the 2019 cholera outbreaks, which were blamed on severe sewer mismanagement.