By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | Harare, Zimbabwe – The Harare City Council has come under fire for approving two cemetery projects over key water infrastructure, raising fears of contamination to the city’s raw water sources. Both cemeteries, located above the Prince Edward Waterworks’ main trunk and in areas feeding into the Seke Dam, have drawn criticism from health experts, environmentalists, and residents.
The approvals have triggered concerns about the potential health hazards posed by decomposing human remains, embalming chemicals, and surface water runoff seeping into Harare’s water supply system. Stakeholders fear the projects could lead to a repeat—or worse—of the recent Lake Chivero pollution crisis, where untreated sewage discharge caused widespread ecological damage.
Two Projects, One Common Risk
One cemetery project is situated directly above the main water trunk of the Prince Edward Waterworks near Chitungwiza, while the second is located along Seke Road near water streams feeding into the Seke Dam. Both areas are critical to Harare’s raw water supply network.
Experts warn that rainwater could carry harmful contaminants from decomposing bodies, including embalming fluids containing mercury and other toxic chemicals, into groundwater and surface water systems. Such contamination poses a direct risk to human health, livestock, and aquatic ecosystems.
Public Health Alarm
Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care, Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, confirmed that the ministry has launched an investigation into the health implications of the cemeteries. “Our team is conducting assessments, and a report will determine the next steps. Public health is our priority,” he said.
Despite these reassurances, residents are questioning how both projects were approved without sufficient consultation or Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) being completed.
Council’s Position
Harare City Council officials defended their decisions, stating that permits for the cemeteries were issued with conditions, including mandatory EIAs. Acting Director of Urban Planning, Mr. Samuel Nyabezi, argued that the process aligns with regulations, adding, “If the conditions are not met, the permits will be revoked.”
However, the city’s Department of Water had previously raised red flags over the cemetery near the Prince Edward Waterworks, warning of possible pipe ruptures and contamination risks. Engineer Zvenyika Chawatama, Director of Works for Harare City Council, acknowledged these concerns and indicated steps are being taken to map out pipelines and ensure no graves are placed above them.
Environmental Management Agency’s Role
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has faced criticism for its role in the approvals. While EMA spokesperson Ms. Amkela Sidange confirmed that assessments excluded designated wetland areas, she emphasized that public health risks are beyond EMA’s mandate. “Planning authorities must involve environmental health experts to prevent such risks,” she told the state run Herald paper,
Expert and Public Outcry
Public health experts have called the decision to allow two cemetery projects in such sensitive areas “reckless.” One expert warned, “We could face a water contamination crisis that dwarfs the Lake Chivero incident. Both cemeteries are dangerously close to critical water infrastructure.”
Residents, meanwhile, are outraged at the lack of transparency and consultation. Local communities affected by the projects argue that their safety and livelihoods have been sidelined in favor of questionable development priorities.
The Bigger Picture
The simultaneous approval of two cemetery projects over Harare’s waterworks raises broader concerns about urban planning and governance in the city. With investigations ongoing and public pressure mounting, stakeholders are demanding a halt to the projects until comprehensive environmental and health assessments are completed.
The Ministry of Health is expected to release its findings soon, but for now, the controversial cemetery projects remain a flashpoint for Harare’s water security and public health.
Scholarly Report: The Risks of Cemetery Development on Critical Water Infrastructure
Cemetery placement above critical water infrastructure poses significant environmental and public health risks. Globally, examples from both developing and developed countries demonstrate the potential for severe consequences when burial grounds contaminate nearby water sources. The case of Harare’s decision to approve two cemetery projects above the Prince Edward Waterworks highlights these risks. Drawing from academic studies and historical precedents, this report underscores the dangers of such developments.
1. Groundwater Contamination
Mechanisms of Contamination
Decomposing human remains release organic and inorganic pollutants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, and chloride. These compounds, along with heavy metals such as mercury from embalming fluids and lead from coffins, seep into the soil and groundwater through infiltration. The process accelerates during heavy rainfall or if the water table is shallow.
Examples
• São Paulo, Brazil: Studies conducted in São Paulo revealed high concentrations of nitrate in groundwater near cemeteries. Nitrate contamination, primarily from decomposing bodies, exceeded safe drinking water limits and posed significant health risks, including methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants.
• Adelaide, Australia: Research on cemeteries in Adelaide found microbial contamination of groundwater with coliform bacteria and pathogens like Escherichia coli, linked to burial practices.
Application to Harare
In Harare, the cemeteries’ proximity to the Prince Edward Waterworks trunk and Seke Dam increases the likelihood of contaminants entering raw water supplies. The threat is amplified by the region’s rainy seasons, which exacerbate leaching into both groundwater and surface water systems.
2. Public Health Implications
Pathogen Transmission
Decomposing human remains harbor a wide range of pathogens, including those causing tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cholera. These pathogens can persist in burial sites for decades and may infiltrate water systems.
Case Study
• Lake Victoria Basin, East Africa: An epidemiological study found that cemeteries near water sources contributed to cholera outbreaks during rainy seasons, as pathogens infiltrated drinking water systems used by local communities.
Relevance to Harare
With Harare’s history of cholera outbreaks, including a deadly epidemic in 2018, the placement of cemeteries near critical water infrastructure could exacerbate the city’s vulnerability to waterborne diseases.
3. Infrastructure Risks
Pipeline Damage and Leaching
Cemeteries placed over water pipelines increase the risk of ruptures, allowing contaminants to infiltrate treated water supplies. Ground movement from burials and the weight of coffins can stress underground infrastructure, leading to cracks and leaks.
Examples
• London, UK: In 2001, aging pipelines under an old cemetery were found to have ruptured, causing localized water contamination. The incident spurred changes in cemetery planning laws to prevent further risks.
Harare Context
The Prince Edward Waterworks pipeline, a critical trunk for the city’s water supply, lies beneath the proposed cemetery site. Ruptures in this pipeline could introduce pollutants directly into treated water, leading to widespread health hazards.
4. Regulatory Gaps and Oversight Failures
Importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
Scholarly research highlights the necessity of comprehensive EIAs for cemetery projects near water sources. EIAs should assess soil permeability, hydrology, and the proximity of burial sites to aquifers, wells, and pipelines.
Examples of Poor Planning
• Accra, Ghana: A lack of proper EIAs resulted in the establishment of cemeteries on wetlands. Subsequent studies found increased pollution levels in nearby streams and reservoirs, negatively affecting community health.
Harare’s Oversight
The Harare City Council’s approval of the cemeteries without completed EIAs contravenes international best practices. Furthermore, the Environmental Management Agency’s (EMA) conditional approval raises questions about whether critical health and safety factors were fully addressed.
5. Environmental and Economic Consequences
Ecosystem Impact
Cemetery pollution not only affects human health but also damages ecosystems. Leachate from burial sites alters the chemical balance of water systems, harming aquatic life and reducing biodiversity.
Economic Costs
The cleanup of contaminated water systems and the treatment of waterborne diseases impose significant financial burdens. For example:
• Bangladesh: A World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that contaminated water sources near cemeteries increased the costs of water treatment by 40%.
For Harare, the economic implications could be devastating, especially given the city’s existing water treatment challenges and financial constraints.
6. Recommendations
1. Suspend Cemetery Projects Pending Comprehensive EIA
Both cemetery projects should be halted until detailed EIAs are conducted to evaluate the risks of groundwater and pipeline contamination.
2. Adopt Cemetery Zoning Regulations
Zoning laws should prohibit burial grounds near critical water infrastructure, aquifers, or surface water sources.
3. Monitor and Mitigate Risks
Long-term monitoring of groundwater and pipeline integrity near burial sites is essential to detect and address contamination early.
4. Public Consultation and Transparency
Local communities should be included in decision-making processes to ensure that public health and environmental concerns are prioritized.
Scientific evidence and global case studies unequivocally demonstrate the dangers of placing cemeteries near water infrastructure. The decision to approve two cemetery projects over Harare’s waterworks is fraught with risks that could compromise the city’s water security, public health, and environmental sustainability. Immediate action is required to reassess these projects and implement policies that prevent similar threats in the future.