Zambezi River Basin

© SARDC © P. Johnson, SARDC

Main Industries and Agricultural Development Most countries in the Zambezi basin are urbanizing rapidly, resulting in increased industrial activities and larger waste discharges into the river system. Industries in most of the urban areas dump hazardous waste directly into rivers, and this compromises water quality. For example, about 1 400 tonnes of waste is produced daily in Lusaka with only 10 per cent collected by the municipality (SADC and SARDC 2008). Although it is difficult to assess the amount of pollution originating from industries on the Zambezi tributaries, there is clear evidence that highly urbanized sub-basins such as the Kafue and Manyame are discharging waste into the Zambezi River system (SADC and ZRA 2007).

Effluent discharge is also a matter of concern in the Zambezi Delta. The Sena Sugar industry in Marromeu, Mozambique releases large amounts of biodegradable waste and wastewater into the Zambezi water system (SADC and ZRA 2007). In Harare, the Mukuvisi River which drains into Manyame, is considered the most heavily polluted river system in Zimbabwe. The river flows through both industrial and residential areas of Harare (Chenje 2000). In the Tanzanian part of the basin, the quality of water is generally good except for the pollution of the Kiwira River by coal mines, and of the Songwe River by a cement-manufacturing company (SADC and ZRA 2007).

Overgrazing by livestock leads to soil erosion.

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