Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
RUSAPE River has been infested by the highly invasive aquatic weed known as water hyacinth, posing serious risk to the river’s ecosystem.
This is also threatening Lake Rusape which is a vital source of water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
The weed which is spreading rapidly for the past two months, covering some parts of the river, prompting concerned stakeholders to implore responsible authorities to take action before it is too late.
The weed has rapid growth ability to cover water surfaces in a short period, and is spread from infested water bodies through boats, fishing nets or livestock movements.
Macheke Sub-catchment council manager, Mr Jonathan Mazani, whose authority manages the river, said they are working round the clock to remove the weed.
Its spreading is also being aided by raw sewer from Rusape town flowing into the river, fertilisers, chemicals and animal waste seeping into the river from farms, current low water levels that concentrates nutrients among other reasons.
“Yes, we can confirm that water hyacinth recently invaded Rusape River. We are not sure of the source, but it can be spread through boats, fishing nets or livestock. The weed is rapidly spreading across the river and we have started the process of removing it. The sewer from Rusape town is abetting the spread as it provides nutrients for the weed.
“Currently, there are very low water levels in the river which concentrate nutrients. The temperatures are warm and there is abundant sunlight which favours the growth of this specie. We are engaging other stakeholders for the removal of the weed which can be done mechanically using harvesters and weed boom barriers. It can also be removed manually through nets and rakes.
“Our worry is that it will spread into Rusape Dam affecting water supply and dam storage capacity. The weed compromises water quality through declining oxygen.
This will lead to death of fish. It also promotes the breeding of mosquito and snails, increasing malaria and bilharzia risks,” said Mr Mazani.
Save the Environment and Climate Foundation Trust (SECFT) executive director, Mr Learnmore Nyaruwanga, who is also a resident of Rusape, said if no urgent measures are taken, both the river and the dam water will be deemed not safe for human consumption and aquatic animals will die.
“Rusape Dam and the river are sources of drinking and commercial water for Rusape residents and businesses, hence they must be jealously protected from any threat. The dam also supplies large and small-scale farmers in the Lowveld, signifying its importance on the national economy.
“We cannot have a situation where raw sewer flows into the river. Rusape Town Council must address issues of sewer blockages. The economic activities around the dam which include fishing, boating clubs and others can collapse if the water is contaminated,” said Mr Nyaruwanga.
