Illegal plastic shelters have sprung up along the shores of Lake Kariba, rendering the area a breeding ground for diseases and crime.
The proliferation of the shelters is linked to an influx of fishermen setting up illegal camps in remote bays and islands that authorities find difficult to patrol.
With no designated camping zones, many are operating outside the law.
Tichaona Manzungu, chairperson of the Gache-Gache Fishing Camp Association, told NewsDay that the structures are multiplying rapidly as fishermen pour into the area during the peak season.
The shelters, built of plastic sheeting, poles and scrap materials, serve as temporary lodging but lack sanitation or oversight.
"They are more than an eyesore; they are a direct threat to health and safety," Manzungu said.
"Human waste goes straight into the lake, polluting the water and spreading diseases.
“At night, these places become hideouts for criminals who steal gear and catches from registered fishermen."
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Manzungu called on the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Environment, Climate and Wildlife ministry and the police to act swiftly.
He called for regular patrols, designated official camping areas for visiting fishermen and the immediate removal of illegal structures.
"We welcome anyone who wants to fish here, but it has to be legal and responsible," he said.
"Right now, things are out of control. If we do not act, we will lose both the fish and the safety of our community."
Lake Kariba supports thousands of households through commercial and subsistence fishing and remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's inland fisheries sector.
Authorities have repeatedly cited unregulated fishing and informal shoreline settlements as major risks to both conservation and public safety.
Local leaders indicated that they are ready to work with the government to create a system that allows visiting fishermen to operate legally while meeting health, safety and environmental standards.
