Lake Chivero History
Lake Chivero Recreational Park is about 6 100 hectares in extent including the 16 km long lake. The shoreline of the entire water body covers approximately 48 kilometres. The lake area holds about 250 000 million litres of water and is approximately 26sq km (2 632 ha).
At its widest point the lake stretches for 8 km. The dam wall is 400 metres long and the lake measures approximately 27m deep at full supply level at the dam wall. Construction of the lake took 2 1/2 years and was completed in 1952 at a cost of $2,000,000.00.
The game park which opened in 1962 occupies around 1 867 hectares and holds a variety of game; most of which has been introduced from the Hwange game reserve. Additional game was brought in from Lake Kariba during the game rescue operation better known as “Operation Noah”.
The park, also known as Lake Mcllwaine Recreational Park, was first named in memory of the late Sir Robert Mcllwaine, a former judge of the High Court and founder of Zimbabwe’s Soil and Water Conservation movement. This water body is Harare’s (the capital city of Zimbabwe) main water supply.
The animals that are easily sighted in the park are white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, ostrich, eland, sable, baboon, monkey, duiker, warthog, bush pig, rock hyrax, scrub hare, spring hare, bush squirrel. The park also has a variety of nocturnal species that include civet, genet, black backed jackal, porcupine, slender/ white tailed mongoose, caracal, pangolin, ant bear, serval, bushbaby, night ape and several other species.
There is a great variety of birdlife and for the birdwatcher, the Park is a paradise. Included amongst the several bird species are: African Open Bill Stork, Barbets, Bee-eaters, Buzzards Coots, Cormorants, Doves, Hamerkops, Jacanas, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Darter, Goliath Heron, Fish Eagle, Glossy Starling and Lilac-breasted Roller.
Lake Chivero Business Review
Lake Chivero is one of my favourite hanging out place. When I need cooling off only one place comes to mind for me-Harare Safari Lodge! My connection with this lake dates back to the 80s where as a youngster my father used to take the whole family to the lake for fishing. So the connection has not died down, during the Festive Season I took my family there and Iam also looking forward to a fishing expedition during the Easter Holidays.
So I would like to compare and contrast the Lake Chivero in the 80s and early 90s and the present state of Lake Chivero.
Lake Chivero- The 80s
You can refer to the history of the lake above, there were a lot of recreational and sporting activities-a lot of camping sites, boating clubs, private fisheries, and the Lake Water was clean(less pollution), boating or rowing competitions. This was the place to be for a few Hararians.
Lake Chivero –The Present
Hunyani has emerged as the favourite place for Hararians. A place which is frequented during weekends and holidays. A place where hundreds bring family and friends for braaing meat, drinks and partying.
The water is now heavily polluted with sometimes a green or brown colour. A few years ago there was a mishap of a boat accident that resulted in the death of passengers. All boating activities at Hunyani were stopped after the accident that claimed the lives of 6 people.
Another popular place is Kuimbashiri Bird Sanctuary and Harare Safari Lodge. There are very few operational boating clubs, no new investment in terms of properties such as lodges or hotels. Life at Lake Chivero is virtually at a standstill-it’s now a pale shadow of the Lake Chivero of the 80s.
The Future of Lake Chivero
One day Lake Chivero will rise again and surpass the 80s standards. The Lake will roar again and present investors with a chance to make huge profits because potential is unlimited!
The interest in the lake is huge as witnessed by the huge numbers who frequent the place. There are a lot of areas which are not know n by the public for instance The Crocodile Creek, The Acacia where I sometimes go for fishing. There are a lot of Bush Camps operated by the Parks Authority.
How will Lake Chivero look like in 2030?
1.Hotel and Conference Facilities created to cater for the increased 2.5 million Harare populations.
2.Limited or Controlled Residential Areas: We foresee a situation where exclusive residential areas will be created for those that enjoy staying near the lake.
3.Private Camps/Beaches: A solution would have been found for the problematic water hyacinth weed and increased pollution. This should pave way for high quality private beaches or camps. An improvement of the current sites.
4.Recreational Facilities such as Water Parks: The Diaspora to play an increasing role in bringing world class standards in terms of recreation with water parks massages parlous or mini theme parks being constructed. Boating activities will one day resume with a few mini yachts floating along Harare’s main lake.
So many opportunities do exist in Zimbabwe and Lake Chivero is one of them. Make sure that when the sign of revival comes, you will not be caught unaware. At present small opportunities exist as shown by Harare Safari Lodge which continues to attract Hararians every week.
So for the Diasporans returning to Harare in the near future, here is our message-put Lake Chivero on the radar for the medium to long term horizon. Plan to invest on your own or partner with others.
Our next article will cover small opportunities at the lake that you can take advantage of. We will also cover a new residential suburb, a fast developing suburb that is located a few kilometers from the lake.
Muito Obrigado
