Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1.2
About Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country with an area of 389 000 km
2
extending from 15º 30 N
to 22º 30 S and lies between 25º W and 33º E. The geographical location and the relief
endow a sub-tropical climate. Three relief regions are generally recognized on the basis
of their general elevation (Fig.3.1). These are the Lowveld with an altitude below 900m,
the Middleveld with an altitude of 900 m to 1200 m, and the Highveld with an altitude
between 1200 m and 2400 m, where the capital city, Harare is located. The Highveld
includes a mountainous region, which has special characteristics not found in the rest of
the country. It is known as the Eastern Highlands and consists of a narrow belt of
mountains and high plateau ranging in altitude from 2000 m to 2400 m. Its considerable
elevation gives a characteristic microclimate and associated vegetation.
The aim of this paper is to introduce and characterize this specific urban environment,
in terms of development trends, location within the catchment basin, and corresponding
influence on the water quality status, as well as to underline, and discuss the existing
practice of monitoring and control of water quality in general and diffuse pollution in
particular. This chapter serves as an introduction and the basis for a better understanding
of the different case studies, presented in subsequent chapters.
2 THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT
The city of Harare is spread over a generally flat terrain, with a mean elevation of 1510 m
above sea level. Its population is over 2 million people according to the 2002 census. The
climatic conditions determine
Figure 3.1. A schematic map of
Zimbabwe.
