Edgar Gweshe
Mutare—Residents of Mutare have raised alarm over the continued contamination of Sakubva River through a major sewer burst and unchecked industrial effluent spillage.
A sewer pipe, which burst in October last year near St Joseph’s Cemetery, remains unrepaired despite repeated calls for action from concerned residents.
Human waste, garbage, and industrial chemicals have become a common sight in the river, posing a threat not only to Mutare residents but also downstream villages such as Dora Dombo and Dora Pindo.
Livestock from nearby settlements is also at risk of drinking the polluted water.
The contamination extends further, as Sakubva River feeds into the Odzi and Save rivers.
The Mutare Rivers Rehabilitation Initiative (MRRI) director, Lynne James, has condemned the ongoing pollution, describing it as a “total disgrace.”
“We know that the sewer system is old and under pressure from volumes of waste, yet spare pipes are not held in stock.
“The resultant pollution stretching over more than three months now is a total disgrace, and could surely have been prevented with forward planning.
“Mutare is incredibly lucky with the city’s water supply, as it takes water from the Pungwe River, which barely needs treatment. In Mutare, we drink water straight from our taps,” she said. James added: “But it appears that we do not care of the water in Sakubva River that goes downstream into the Odzi and the Save rivers, and finally the sea.”
The United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust (UMRRT) has called for urgent intervention, criticising the council’s indifferent attitude to the unfolding crisis.
The UMRRT spokesperson, Edson Dube, emphasised the need for upgraded sewage infrastructure, effective waste management, and stricter enforcement of pollution regulations.
“We have noticed the recurrent sewage bursts and pollution in our rivers, unchecked flow of toxic waste into our waterways and accumulation of litter and debris which have led to negative impacts on public health, recreation and the local economy.
“We demand the intervention of the City of Mutare to upgrade and maintain sewage infrastructure to prevent bursts, implement effective waste management strategies, enforce pollution regulations and penalties for non-compliance, and conduct regular water quality monitoring and public reporting.
“Aquatic life and communities downstream are faced with an uncertain future due to pollution of Sakubva River,” said Dube.
Mutare City Council acting corporate communications officer, Charles Sadondo, acknowledged the delay in repairing the burst pipe, attributing it to the local unavailability of suitable pipes..
“We have procured the pipes from South Africa, and are awaiting delivery. Unfortunately, there are no local suppliers of the pipes. These are specialised pipes that are manufactured upon placement of an order and payment of a deposit. We expect the pipes to be delivered before the end of February 2025.
“The procurement process has taken too long due to the various stages that have to be followed. As soon as the pipe is delivered our Engineering team will do the replacement,” said Sadondo.