Over the weekend, more than 1,000 fish were discovered dead in Lake Chivero, as reported by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo issued a statement on Sunday, December 15, linking the fish deaths to possible poisoning from sewage runoff originating from the Marimba area. According to Farawo:
“At least 1,000 fish were found dead over the weekend in Lake Chivero.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that sewage runoff from the Marimba area has contaminated water flowing into several bays, creating dangerous conditions for aquatic life.
The high pollution levels lead to increased algae growth, which, in turn, raises the oxygen demand in the water, causing a significant fish mortality rate.
Farawo also mentioned that shifting wind patterns could exacerbate the situation, potentially affecting more fish populations across the lake.
In response, Zimparks teams are on-site conducting wider investigations.
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Additionally, Zimparks confirmed the deaths of four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, and several goats and cattle due to consumption of contaminated water from Lake Chivero, which serves as the primary water source for Harare.
Lake Chivero is facing an escalating pollution problem, mainly due to sewage discharge, industrial and household waste, and agricultural runoff.
