Lake Chivero has reached full levels for second consecutive season

Sifelani Tsiko Agric, Environment & lnnovations Editor

Lake Chivero, the main source of water for Harare has hit full capacity for a second consecutive season following good rains that have been received in the country this season.

The national dam level average has risen to 84,7 percent and Zinwa says Lake Chivero is now 108 percent full.

Lake Chivero was built in 1952 as the main source of municipal water supply for Harare.

It lies 29km south west downstream of Harare on the Manyame River.

This lake which also supports irrigation, water sport, fisheries and tourism, has a capacity of 250 106 cubic metres, a mean depth of 9,4 metres and a surface area of 2630ha.

Despite reaching its maximum capacity, this will not ease the water crisis facing residents in the city due outdated water infrastructure and council inefficiencies.

Over the past four decades, the lake has been a topical issue in water quality discussions.

And, environmentalists say the deposition of silt into Lake Chivero has reduced its total storage capacity by an estimated 20 percent.

The pumps are being clogged up by severe sedimentation resulting in breakdowns and rising water production costs.