adminMidlands Correspondent
A health hazard is looming in Kwekwe as raw sewerage is flowing into Sebakwe River, exposing people and animals to diseases.
During an Environmental Management Agency (EMA) organised media tour, it was discovered that raw effluent was flowing directly from Mbizo and Amaveni suburbs into Sebakwe River.
The sewage also poses a threat to residents as in some instances the sewage flows into vandalised treated water lines.
EMA district environment inspector Mr Daniel Magombedze said the sewage had caused a lot of damage, especially for horticulture farmers who live downstream.
“We have farmers who rely on the river for their horticulture projects, who have raised complaints over the diseases that are attacking their plants,” he said. “The farmers use the water for watering of their green peas, paprika and fishing projects which they in turn export.
“But the sewerage has caused a lot of damage as most of their plants are being affected by the sewer that is flowing into the river, causing a lot of diseases to the crops.”
Mr Magombedze said fish had died as a result of the pollution before going on to urge council to take action to rectify the problem as a matter of urgency.
Kwekwe City Council assistant director of works, Mr John Muzata, laid the blame on vandalism of sewer pipes by artisanal gold panners.
“We have had a challenge lately with artisanal gold miners who deliberately throw material within our sewer lines so that they harvest sewer water which they use to treat their gold,” he said.
Online Reporter