Zimbabwe has launched a landmark partnership with Dutch water technology company LG Sonic B.V. to restore Lake Chivero through a five-year water quality restoration and algae control programme aimed at improving the country’s water security.
The initiative, launched in Harare on Tuesday, is expected to rehabilitate Harare’s primary source of potable water using advanced water treatment technologies while strengthening local expertise in sustainable water management.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Dr Obert Jiri, Dr Dumisani Kutshwayo said the partnership is a strategic intervention aligned with the country’s Vision 2030 agenda and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
He said restoring Lake Chivero is critical to ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water while addressing the environmental challenges posed by recurring harmful algal blooms.
“The initiative is a strategic intervention supporting Vision 2030 and NDS2, with a focus on improving water quality, safeguarding public health and enhancing water security,” Dr Kutshwayo said.
LG Sonic B.V. Chief Technology Officer Lisa Maria Brand said the programme would combine the company’s advanced ultrasonic algae control technology with comprehensive capacity-building initiatives to enable sustainable local management of the lake.
She said the project seeks to provide a long-term solution to water quality challenges while empowering Zimbabwean institutions with the technical skills required to manage the restoration programme.
The five-year partnership is expected to reduce harmful algal blooms, improve raw water quality and lower water treatment costs, while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Lake Chivero is Harare’s main water source but has faced increasing pollution and eutrophication over the years due to untreated sewage discharges, industrial effluent and agricultural runoff, resulting in frequent algal blooms that complicate water treatment.
Government officials said the collaboration represents a significant step towards rehabilitating the lake, protecting public health and ensuring sustainable access to clean water for residents of Harare and surrounding areas.
The partnership also underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to leveraging international expertise and innovative technologies to address environmental challenges and build climate-resilient water systems in line with Vision 2030.
