CNRG Calls for Thorough Investigation Into Hippo D...

CNRG Calls for Thorough Investigation Into Hippo Deaths

Zim Now Writer

The Centre for Natural Resource Governance has urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent deaths of 19 hippos in the Mid-Zambezi region and other wildlife fatalities around Lake Chivero.

The hippo deaths, which occurred over the past three months in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, have sparked concerns about the potential impact of human activities on Zimbabwe's ecosystems. Preliminary findings from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority suggest the animals may have succumbed to malnutrition caused by drought.

However, CNRG contends that the deaths occurring during the rainy season point to contamination of water sources by toxic chemicals used in mining operations.

In a statement issued Thursday, CNRG highlighted the urgent need for greater environmental accountability.

“The sudden and significant loss of hippos, alongside the recent wildlife deaths at Lake Chivero, underscores serious environmental challenges. These include habitat degradation, water pollution, and the destructive effects of poorly regulated human activities,” the statement read.

At Lake Chivero, cyanobacteria contamination was confirmed as the cause of death for multiple species, including rhinos, zebras, and aquatic life. CNRG has linked the pollution to the unsafe disposal of mining chemicals during the rainy season.

The organization warns that runoff from mining operations, particularly those employing heap leaching techniques, introduces dangerous substances such as sodium cyanide into water sources, posing risks to wildlife, livestock, and human populations.

CNRG also raised concerns about large-scale open-cast mining operations across Zimbabwe, particularly those involving Chinese-owned companies.

The organization criticized the Environmental Management Agency and other regulatory bodies for failing to enforce environmental protections, pointing to past incidents such as cyanide contamination in the Mutare River by a mining syndicate operating in Premier Estate.

Despite petitions to Parliament and extensive hearings with stakeholders, no meaningful action has been taken to address these violations. CNRG noted that this inaction erodes public trust and exacerbates the environmental crisis.

The organization stressed the importance of a comprehensive investigation into the hippo deaths to determine the precise cause and prevent future occurrences. It also called for parliamentary action to enforce stricter environmental regulations, including site visits to known pollution hotspots such as Premier Estate, and greater accountability for mining operations that disregard environmental laws.

CNRG emphasized that safeguarding Zimbabwe’s biodiversity requires urgent intervention and collaboration between the government, environmental groups, and affected communities.

It warned that the alarming rate of environmental degradation demands swift and decisive action, stating that failure to act now will have devastating consequences for ecosystems and future generations.

ZimParks has yet to respond to CNRG’s call for further investigations.

Meanwhile, environmental groups are rallying behind the organization, emphasizing the need for sustainable development practices to mitigate the growing environmental crisis.