Water pollution rises

Mutirikwi, which is, however, almost empty owing to a drought.
The receding water levels have made the dam more susceptible to high concentrations of pollution.
Masvingo Mayor Alderman Femius Chakabuda yesterday said only two water treatment chemicals namely aluminium sulphate and chlorine were used but said the quantities of the chemicals had now been increased.

Ald Chakabuda said the recent increase in power cuts at the city’s sewer reticulation site was also fuelling pollution of the lake as raw sewage was flowing in.
“The recent increase in power cuts continues to affect operations at our Rujeko sewer reticulation pump resulting in massive pollution of Lake Mutirikwi as raw sewage flows freely into the lake,” said Mayor Chakabuda.

Masvingo City Engineer Mr Tawanda Gozo said the deteriorating water levels in Lake Mutirikwi had also affected the quality of water.
“Our main water source (Lake Mutirikwi) has low water levels and this has affected the water quality.”