Illicit fishing activities at Lake Chivero continue despite a ban imposed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) in 2024. 
The ban followed the death of an estimated 1,000 fish from cyanobacteria poisoning.
The toxic outbreak was linked to raw sewage runoff from the Marimba area, which polluted the lake’s multiple bays and created hazardous conditions for aquatic life.
However, a survey by the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200037352/fishermen-ignore-lake-chivero-ban">Independent</a> found that fishing persists at the lake. Vendors openly sell various fish species, including bream and catfish (muramba/umlamba), at Norton’s bustling fish market, allegedly sourced from Lake Chivero.
One local fisherwoman and vendor admitted to continuing her trade, showing little concern for potential health risks. She told the Independent:
<blockquote>
Most of the fish in the market are from Lake Chivero. l know them personally. They have their own distinct features and are big.
I do not think people will stop buying, selling or eating the fish despite fears that they may be contaminated.
We will continue to eat the fish; we have already done so and we are still alive. People wake up early in the morning before Zimparks arrive, and fish.
However, some fishermen and fisherwomen get them from Darwendale, it is close by, while some are picked from nearby bridges after being washed off from the lake.
</blockquote>
To assess the safety of fish sold in markets, the Independent purchased a catfish from Norton and had it tested at a reputable laboratory for chemical contaminants.
The results showed trace metals, including zinc, lead, cadmium, and mercury, but at levels considered safe for human consumption.
The lab tested the fish’s gills, liver, intestines, and muscle tissue. An official from the lab said the fish is safe to eat since it has no heavy metal contamination. The official said:
<blockquote>
The fish is safe to eat since it has no heavy metal contamination. There are trace metals present like zinc, lead, cadmium, manganese, iron, copper, mercury, arsenic, tin, cobalt and nickel.
The sample was mixed including the liver so there was too much iron, which is used for fortification.
</blockquote>
The results were zinc 25.9ppm, lead 0.22, manganese 1.64, iron 1.04, and copper 1.36. Cadmium, mercury, arsenic, tin, cobalt, nickel, and strontium were all &lt;0.01ppm.
However, the Independent could not verify if the catfish was caught from Lake Chivero.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the authority has increased law enforcement to protect lives.
He added that research is ongoing to determine why species like catfish and crocodiles survived the cyanobacteria outbreak while others died.
According to Zimparks, the cyanobacteria outbreak has killed four white rhinoceroses, three zebras, numerous birds, livestock, and over 1,000 fish.

Pindula News

Despite a ban on fishing at Lake Chivero due to poisoned fish, people are still catching and selling fish from the lake. Some vendors say the fish are safe to eat, but tests show low levels of metals. The authorities are trying to stop illegal fishing and understand why some animals survive the poisoning while others die. The ban was put in place to protect lives, but people continue to fish illegally and sell the fish at markets like nothing happened.

Illicit Fishing Continues Unabated At Lake Chivero Despite Ban

The government has announced that the ban on fishing activities at Lake Chivero will remain in effect until the Ministry of Health and Child Care completes thorough investigations.
This decision follows the death of wildlife and fish around the lake, which is suspected to be linked to raw effluent being discharged into the water daily by the City of Harare.
During a media briefing at the Munhumutapa Building in Harare on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni described the situation at Lake Chivero as critical.
She said that there is a need for a comprehensive approach to address pollution and ecological disturbances in the water body. Said Nyoni:
<blockquote>
Going forward, we will rope in the Ministry of Health to do the finding because we want to save lives. The ban cannot be lifted now and a whole of government and stakeholders’ approach is required to reverse the situation at Chivero.
</blockquote>
Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere said:
<blockquote>
We know that the councillors who are running Harare have failed, we hope that the Commission of Inquiry will determine if the councillors elected to run the authority can be replaced owing to their failures.
</blockquote>
Lake Chivero, located approximately 40 km southwest of Harare, is facing severe pollution, siltation, and ecological disturbances.
More than 20,000 families depend on the lake for both water and their livelihoods, particularly through fishing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has said no fishing at Lake Chivero due to fish and wildlife deaths. The pollution is from sewage by Harare. The Minister of Environment called the situation "critical". They need help from Health Ministry to solve the problem. People are worried about the water quality. The government might replace Harare councillors. The lake is polluted and this affects many families who rely on it for water and fishing.

Lake Chivero Latest News

Latest Jobs