AbstractThe construction of Kariba dam resulted in the development of an unplanned town, Kariba. The sanitary services of this town originated from provisional arrangements. The town now has a population of about 27 000 inhabitants. Tourism, both local and international, is one of the major sources of employment. This study has revealed the presence of high levels of coliform bacteria in the inshore waters of the urban environment. The main sources of these bacteria are poorly managed private and municipal wastewater disposal systems. The private sector contribution emanates mainly from the lake‐shore tourist resorts. Although there are wastewater management defects indicated in the study, the main cause of the problem is identified as the immaturity of governance in which state employees can be in dereliction of duty with impunit