Zimbabwe: Council Convicted of Depositing Raw Sewage in River

Masvingo Bureau — MASVINGO municipality has been convicted of depositing raw sewage into Shakashe River that feeds into Lake Mutirikwi where the city draws its portable water. Masvingo magistrate, Mrs Dorothy Mwanyisa, convicted the city for contravening the Environmental Management Act on Tuesday.

The raw sewage was being discharged from the Rujeko pump station.

Mrs Mwanyisa is expected to pass the sentence on Thursday next week.

This will allow the city council, which is being represented by Mr Rodney Saratoga Makausi of Chihambakwe, Makonese and Ncube to submit evidence in mitigation.

Masvingo municipality had initially denied the charges, but pleaded guilty after prosecutor Ms Moreblessing Rusere requested for an inspection in loco at the Rujeko pump station.

Charges against the city arose between September 2009 and October 2011 when the local authority discharged raw sewage into Shakashe River, thereby causing extensive pollution.

Ms Rusere argued that the discharging of raw sewage posed a health hazard to residents who stay in Rujeko suburb located only 50 metres away from Rujeko pump station.

She said the pollution of Shakashe River posed a threat to aquatic life, especially in Lake Mutirikwi which is downstream.

Masvingo City Council blamed recurrent electricity cuts for curtailing its ability to treat raw sewage.