United for Chivero: 200 Volunteers, Government Agencies and Civic Groups Rally for National Clean-Up Day

Nearly 200 volunteers, government agencies and civic groups united for a major clean-up at Lake Chivero (image source)

Nearly 200 volunteers, government ministries, local authorities and civic groups converged on Lake Chivero for National Clean-Up Day, forming one of the strongest collective responses yet to the lake’s escalating pollution crisis. The event, organised under the Eco Revival campaign, drew a broad coalition of partners determined to protect Harare’s main water source, biodiversity hub and premier tourism asset.

The clean-up was led by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, who commended all participating organisations for promoting environmental stewardship and safeguarding tourism infrastructure. He emphasised that maintaining a clean and healthy Lake Chivero is essential to sustaining Zimbabwe’s tourism competitiveness and called for long-term, sustainable environmental practices across communities and institutions. His ministry was joined by an extensive network of state agencies and civic groups, including EMA, ZimParks, ZINWA, ZRP, ZPCS, Harare City Council, the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council, youth associations and several community-based organisations and churches.

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Participants described a strong sense of unity and purpose throughout the exercise. Organisers highlighted that the collaborative effort reflects the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Community approach required to reverse the lake’s environmental decline. According to ZimParks officials, the event and recent related clean-ups have removed more than 55 tonnes of waste from the north and south banks. Plastic bottles, disposable diapers and abandoned fishing nets were among the most common items collected, with the nets posing a major threat to aquatic wildlife. A specialised team has since been tasked with retrieving deeper nets lodged at the lake bed.

Eco Revival leader Liane Lombard expressed gratitude to supporting partners who provided essential supplies and funding. Contributions included bin liners from ZimboGreen and Imperial Plastics, insect repellent from Paddington Pharmacy, sunscreen from Absolute Sports, biscuits from Zim Biscuits, water from Food World and equipment and medical items from ElectroSales and Medibest. Fleish Meats and private donors provided financial support. Volunteers noted improved logistics and adequate catering, addressing concerns raised in previous campaigns.

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While welcoming the progress made on solid waste removal, Lombard warned that the lake’s deteriorating water quality remains the most urgent challenge. Algae blooms driven by sewage discharge and storm-water pollution continue to threaten aquatic life, with ZimParks reporting further bird deaths linked to cyanobacteria toxicity. Eco Revival announced a shift in focus toward water-quality interventions, although shoreline clean-ups will continue alongside nationwide community challenges.

ZimParks officials applauded the event’s organisation and turnout, saying the effort contributes significantly to protecting a vital water resource for future generations. Volunteers echoed the sentiment, calling the event inspiring and a testament to the power of new partnerships to elevate environmental campaigns.

The day’s activities underscored that the recovery of Lake Chivero requires more than one-off clean-ups. It demands sustained commitment, coordinated action and shared responsibility. The waste collected was substantial, but the solidarity displayed was even more significant. The message from National Clean-Up Day was clear: Lake Chivero can be restored if Zimbabwe acts together.