Lake Chivero -The government has reaffirmed its ban on fishing activities in Lake Chivero, citing serious environmental and public health risks linked to ongoing contamination of the water body. The decision was confirmed by Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu during a parliamentary session last Wednesday, where she outlined the reasons for maintaining the prohibition and the steps being taken to restore the lake’s ecological integrity.
Lake Chivero, a key freshwater resource near Harare, has faced mounting pollution from untreated industrial effluent and raw sewage discharged by surrounding local authorities, including Norton. These pollutants have significantly degraded water quality, posing health risks to communities that rely on the lake for food and livelihoods. Minister Ndlovu emphasised that Cabinet had conducted a holistic review of the situation and concluded that the overall contamination represented unacceptable ecological and health dangers.
“The ban will not be lifted until the root cause of this pollution is comprehensively addressed by the three local authorities around that place,” Ndlovu said. She noted that while prior assessments suggested that some fish from the lake might be safe for human consumption, Cabinet had taken a broader perspective, prioritising public health and environmental sustainability over short-term economic considerations.
To tackle the crisis, Ndlovu announced that her ministry is coordinating a multi-stakeholder response aimed at addressing the pollution. This involves stricter oversight of industrial and municipal discharges, enhanced sewage management systems, and rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with the City of Harare, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). A time-bound action plan and joint monitoring framework are being developed to ensure accountability and regular reporting to the Office of the President and Cabinet, and, if necessary, to Parliament.
Government Maintains Fishing Ban on Lake Chivero Amid Pollution Concerns
Despite the government’s rationale, the fishing ban has sparked concern among legislators and affected communities. Lawmakers highlighted the socio-economic impact of the prohibition, particularly for households that depend on fishing as a primary source of income and protein. Kudakwashe Mananzva, Zanu-PF MP for Zvimba East, warned that “hunger has no patience,” urging the government to implement alternative livelihood projects to mitigate the impact on local families.
Similarly, CCC MP Edwin Mushoriwa from Dzivarasekwa expressed concern that the ban has inadvertently increased illegal fishing activities. “Right now, if you go to areas like Kuwadzana, Dzivarasekwa, and Norton, people are still eating that fish courtesy of poachers,” he said, underscoring the challenge of enforcing the prohibition while addressing community needs.
Minister Ndlovu acknowledged the difficulty of balancing ecological protection with socio-economic realities. She indicated that her ministry is working with fishing cooperatives, local authorities, and the Ministry of Health to educate the public on the dangers of consuming contaminated fish. “The law enforcement should be there to protect our people from eating such fish,” she said, emphasising that compliance and public awareness are critical components of the ban’s effectiveness.
The minister also pointed out that the government is committed to restoring Lake Chivero to a state where it can safely support both biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. This includes ongoing monitoring of water quality, enforcement against polluting entities, and long-term environmental rehabilitation programs. Officials have stressed that lifting the ban prematurely could expose communities to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases and toxic exposure from industrial pollutants.
Lake Chivero has historically been a vital resource, not just for local livelihoods but also for recreational activities, irrigation, and municipal water supply. The prolonged contamination has affected both aquatic ecosystems and human populations, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated intervention. Experts warn that if left unaddressed, the continued pollution could lead to irreversible ecological damage, loss of fish populations, and heightened public health crises.
While the ban remains in force, government officials insist that the measures are temporary and necessary. Minister Ndlovu reaffirmed the commitment to sustainable management, stating, “We recognise the importance of fishing livelihoods, but the lake can only be reopened once it is safe and sustainable for everyone. Public health and ecological integrity come first.”
Communities and lawmakers alike are calling for swift action, urging authorities to accelerate rehabilitation efforts, improve sewage and industrial waste management, and provide alternative income opportunities for those affected. For now, Lake Chivero’s waters remain off-limits to fishing, serving as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Zimbabwe’s freshwater resources and the delicate balance between public health, conservation, and community livelihoods. Chivero
Source- Bulawayo24
