Mazai River brings life to local community

By Kelvin Kutinyo

The sewerage river better known as “komazai” has become a symbol of hope for many individuals who rely on it for small-scale agricultural production, emerging as a vital source of sustenance in Bulawayo.

Crossing the bridge over the Mazai River is a sensory assault, as the overpowering stench of polluted water triggers a reflexive response with people hastily covering their noses and expressing their distaste with a disdainful spit into the river.

The Mazai River, notorious for its foul odor due to the discharge of sewerage water from treatment workshops, embodies the notion that “where others see trash, others find treasure.”

In the unlikeliest of places, a group of resourceful women from Makokoba suburbs travel along the riverbanks, collecting rich worms that are in high demand for fishing purposes.

Mrs Sthembiso Ncube highlighted the importance of the worms, revealing how they serve as a crucial component in the community’s fishing practices.

“I have been digging worms for fishing for the past fifteen years along these banks and this time around they are very big meaning that we will sell some and make use of some for fishing.”

“Locally we do some fishing but sometimes it’s a headache since some rangers chase us away from local dams like Entumbane’s Enkwalini but we also go as far as Binga to catch fish for resale. Our friends provide us with accommodation we only need to source transport and food,” Mrs Ncube.

The worms, rich in protein and nutrients, are highly prized for fishing purposes. With fishing being a significant source of livelihood for many, these women’s efforts play a vital role in supporting the local fishing industry.

As the Mazai River winds its way through Northend suburbs along Victoria Falls Road, a vibrant oasis emerges, boasting a lush tapestry of cabbages, tomatoes, carrots, and an array of other vegetables, transforming the landscape into a thriving garden paradise owned by local indivuals.

Nourished by the constant flow of the Mazai River, the gardens flourish under the care of a dedicated team of youths. These young gardeners work tirelessly to maintain the lush oasis, watering the plants at least twice a day and carefully cultivating the soil to bring forth a bounty of fresh produce.

Evans Daka, one of the young gardeners, shared that the vegetables are highly sought after, with most of their produce being sold at wholesale prices due to strong demand.

“Our produce is always on demand, so we hire a two wheeled pushcart for only usd1 a day and package our veggies into large bunch and then go to the market early in the morning where most vendors buy for resale.”

“The only challenges that we encounter is obviously competition from big farmers who come from nearby places like Nyamandlovu so try by all means to be move around the market, once you are away from the market another challenge is the municipality police,” said Mr Daka.

Ms Sidumisile Hlatshwayo, a field officer at Hope for a Child in Christ, underscored the substantial benefits of utilizing sewerage water for agricultural purposes.

“Mazai River provides a consistent water source for irrigation, especially in areas where clean water is scarce. Many farmers rely on this water to grow vegetables, ensuring year-round production despite drought conditions.”

“The nutrient-rich water from sewage can also act as a natural fertilizer, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers and lowering farming costs. The nutrients in sewage water can boost crop productivity compared to normal water sources,” said Ms Hlatshwayo.