Sundaymail Editor
Masvingo Bureau
HUNDREDS of fish and other aquatic species have died in Shakashe and Mucheke rivers, which intersect Masvingo City.
The city council is now under spotlight for allegedly discharging raw sewer in the two rivers.
Shakashe and Mucheke are also tributaries of Lake Mutirikwi, which is the sole source of water for Masvingo City.
The deaths of hundreds of fish that were found floating in Mucheke and Shakashe has triggered alarm, with residents and environmentalists blaming council.
Town clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa confirmed that raw sewer was discharged into the two rivers recently following the blockage of some main lines in the city.
He also said some of the discharge might have originated from sewer trunk lines.
Specimens from the dead fish were collected for laboratory tests in Harare.
“We have teamed up with EMA (Environmental Management Agency) and collected samples from the two rivers so that laboratory tests are conducted to find out what killed the fish and other aquatic creatures. We are awaiting results from a reputable laboratory in Harare,” he said.
Eng Mukaratirwa said the blocked sewers and main trunk lines were being attended to and expected to have been fixed by Thursday.
Besides the discharge of raw sewer into Lake Mutirikwi and its tributaries, another major challenge threatening Masvingo City’s water sources is the marauding water hyacinth.
Online Reporter