By Linda Masarira
The Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) strongly condemn the deteriorating state of Lake Chivero and the reckless utterances made by the Harare Mayor, suggesting that Harare residents should consume water from this highly contaminated water source. Such statements demonstrate a blatant disregard for the health and well-being of the people of Harare, as well as a lack of understanding of the city council’s constitutional obligations.
1. Violation of Constitutional Rights*
The Constitution of Zimbabwe, under Section 77(a), guarantees every citizen the right to safe, clean, and potable water. The suggestion that residents should consume water from Lake Chivero, a reservoir heavily polluted with raw sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff, constitutes a gross violation of this fundamental right. It is unconscionable that the city council, which is entrusted with the duty to ensure access to clean water, is failing to uphold its mandate, leaving millions of residents vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
2. Environmental Degradation and Loss of Aquatic Life
Lake Chivero is not only a source of water but also an essential ecosystem supporting aquatic life and biodiversity. The ongoing contamination of the lake, primarily through untreated raw sewerage being discharged into its waters, has resulted in the death of aqua life, threatening the ecological balance. This is a clear violation of Section 73 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Zimbabwean the right to a clean environment that must be protected for present and future generations.
The Harare City Council must take immediate steps to address the pollution of Lake Chivero. Failure to do so undermines efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all.
3. Call to Action
LEAD urges the Harare City Council to:
1. Stop making insensitive and irresponsible statements that disregard public health concerns.
2. Prioritize the rehabilitation of Lake Chivero through comprehensive wastewater treatment systems to prevent further contamination.
3. Develop and implement sustainable waste management policies to safeguard water sources and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
4. Collaborate with environmental experts and stakeholders to address pollution and restore the health of Lake Chivero.
5. Actively work toward achieving SDG 6 by providing clean, safe, and potable water to all Harare residents.
We also call upon the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to strengthen its oversight and enforcement mechanisms to hold polluters accountable and protect water sources like Lake Chivero from further degradation.
It is unacceptable that residents of Harare should bear the brunt of the City Council’s failures, risking their health and survival due to poor governance and lack of accountability. Access to clean water is a basic human right, and any failure to provide it is a betrayal of the people of Harare and the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
As LEAD, we stand ready to advocate for sustainable solutions and policies that restore dignity, environmental sustainability, and respect for constitutional provisions in the governance of our cities. We call for immediate action to prevent further harm to the health of residents and the environment.
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
President
Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats
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