By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
Lake Kariba, one of Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lakes, is in the midst of a contamination crisis, putting both public health and the environment at grave risk.
Over 3,000 fishermen and tourists are contributing to the pollution by dumping faecal matter and wastewater into the lake, leading to serious concerns from both local residents and environmentalists.
The waste generated from houseboats, fishing rigs, and daily activities—including sewage, greywater, and bilge water—has begun to have a devastating impact on the lake’s water quality. Local environmentalist Farai Muguwu warns that this unchecked pollution could soon spiral out of control: “If this issue is not addressed urgently, it will lead to serious health hazards for the people living around the lake,” he says.
Communities in areas like Nyaodza and Ndomo are already bearing the brunt of this contamination. Many residents report that they are being exposed to unsafe drinking water directly sourced from the lake, with fishermen’s unhygienic practices—such as defecating in the water—compounding the problem.
Chenjerai Zambezi, a local resident, voiced his concerns: “Fishermen are often seen leaving their toilets at home and walking to the lake to relieve themselves. This must stop before it costs us our lives.”
Zambezi is calling on local authorities to implement stricter regulations to curb these hazardous practices.
The situation is becoming increasingly dire. Muguwu warns that without immediate intervention, the lake could become unfit for both human and animal consumption within the next 25 years. Sewage runoff is already fueling harmful algal blooms, which pose additional health risks to communities who rely on the lake for both drinking water and livelihoods.
Experts emphasize the need for robust wastewater management systems, including the installation of sewage treatment plants and more effective waste disposal practices for fishing operators and houseboat owners. Raising awareness and enforcing these practices is essential to prevent further deterioration.
Recently, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) fined the Kariba municipality $2,000 for discharging raw sewage into the lake, underscoring the growing urgency for better environmental governance.
With Lake Kariba’s survival at stake, a collective effort from local authorities, communities, and environmental groups is crucial to address this escalating crisis. Time is running out, and the window to protect this vital resource is closing fast.
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