SEWAGE TREATMENT, DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND THE QUEST FOR A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT IN MASVINGO CITY (ZIMBABWE)

Abstract

This study examines the problems of sewage treatment, disposal and management that are bedevilling the city of Masvingo (Zimbabwe). This is done in the light of the current legislation as enshrined in the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) of 2002. The study was conducted in 2008, based on field surveys and document interrogation (literature review). The city is experiencing an environmental crisis due to the malfunction of its sewage waste treatment works, which are: old, and frequently break down due to power cuts and the shortage of spare parts to repair them. However, this problem is not confined to Masvingo City, as many urban centres in Zimbabwe also experience it due to the prevalent harsh economic conditions. Municipalities are often bankrupt and therefore lack the capacity to execute their mandate efficiently, which undermines the goal of environmental protection. The paper advocates for the forging of links with foreign donors or partners who may be willing to provide funding and technical assistance so that some of the problems can be solved.