By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
The GatcheGatche Fishing Camp Association has sounded the alarm over a growing number of illegal plastic shelters appearing along parts of Lake Kariba, warning that the makeshift structures are quickly becoming both health hazards and hiding places for criminals.
Speaking on behalf of the fishing community, the association chairperson, Tichaona Manzungu, said the shelters constructed by itinerant fishermen who travel into the area are now scattered along the shoreline and across nearby islands.
Manzungu noted that the shelters are typically made from plastic sheeting, poles, and scrap material, and are used as temporary accommodation during fishing trips.
However, he said the absence of basic services and proper waste disposal systems has created serious risks for surrounding communities and the broader lake ecosystem.
“These illegal shelters are not only an eyesore, but they are a serious health and security risk,” Manzungu said.
“They lack proper sanitation, so waste is dumped directly into the environment, contaminating the water and spreading diseases. At night, they also harbour criminals who target local fishermen and steal fishing gear and catches.”
The association chairperson said the shelters have proliferated in recent months as more fishermen from outside the area arrive in GatcheGatche during peak fishing seasons. With limited regulated camping options, many visitors allegedly set up unauthorized camps, particularly in remote areas that are difficult for authorities to monitor consistently.
Manzungu argued that the unchecked expansion of these informal camps is worsening the situation for residents who rely on safe and sustainable fishing operations.
Manzungu called on the **Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and local law enforcement agencies to move quickly to address the problem.
He urged for Regular patrols to deter further construction of illegal shelters
Designation of official camping zones to guide visiting fishermen
Removal of unlawful structures, coupled with enforcement of camping rules
“Our community is willing to work with authorities to create a structured system that allows visiting fishermen to operate legally,” he said. “But right now, the situation is out of control, and if nothing is done, we risk losing both the fish stocks and the safety of our community.”
Lake Kariba remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important inland fisheries, supporting thousands of households through commercial and subsistence fishing. Authorities have previously highlighted unregulated fishing practices and informal settlements along the shoreline as threats to conservation efforts and public safety.
Community leaders say that while they recognize the need for visiting fishermen especially during peak seasons the current approach has resulted in avoidable environmental damage and rising insecurity.
In the meantime, fishermen at GatcheGatche have called for immediate interventions to restore order, protect the lake’s health, and safeguard livelihoods in and around the fishing camps.
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