Online Reporter
George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has advised communities in parts of the Lowveld to temporarily halt consumption of fish from Runde and Mutirikwi Rivers amid contamination fears after the collapse of a stillage pond at Triangle in Chiredzi.
The collapse of the liquid chemical-holding pond with a capacity of 16 megalitres has led to the deaths of hundreds of fish in several rivers in and around Chiredzi over the past few days.
A stillage pond collects liquid waste from industrial processes involved in the production of bio-ethanol.
More than 40 million litres of ethanol are manufactured annually at the Tongaat plant in Triangle.
EMA says efforts are being made to dilute the contaminated water in the affected rivers to make it safe for domestic consumption and also for animals to drink.
Mutirikwi and Runde are perennially flowing rivers that serve as the lifeblood of most communities in the Lowveld
The rivers are a key source of fish, water for domestic use and also for watering vegetable gardens.
“The stillage contains chemicals that can harm aquatic life and affect water quality. Fish are dying downstream of Runde River, indicating contamination,” read as a statement by EMA.
“Do not eat fish from Cheche, Mutirikwi and Runde rivers until further notice. Avoid using water for domestic purposes.”
EMA revealed that the stillage pond at Triangle collapsed on November 27 this year, ostensibly due to heavy rains.
“Efforts are being made to dilute the affected rivers with water from Gungwa weir and Off take 18 and Christine water,” the EMA statement added.
