Dam construction to resume countrywide
GOVERNMENT and contractors are finalising preparations to resume construction of major dams such as Gwayi Shangani, Kunzvi and Bindura.
Chief director of water resources and irrigation development under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Engineer Tinayeshe Mutazu, said all was now in place to resume operations mid-month.
“This week we are finalising preparatory work. We are expecting disbursements from the Treasury this week so that we can plan accordingly. Contractors are also finalising their plans and the ministry is concluding the cash flow.’’
Gwayi-Shangani will provide water to Bulawayo, the remainder for irrigation along the water pipeline. The outflows will also generate around 6MW of electricity.
Semwa Dam in Rushinga, Ziminya Dam in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, and Vungu Dam in Silobela, Midlands, are also in different stages of construction, while Muchekeranwa Dam near Marondera has been completed, with farmers now using it.
Kunzvi Dam is being constructed on the Nyagui River which separates Murehwa and Goromonzi districts.
The main purpose of the dam is to supply water to Harare. It will also supply rural service centres within its environment.
The Second Republic is building dams across the country to address water challenges and also climate-proof the agricultural sector which remains the mainstay of the country’s economy.
Recently, beneficiaries in Bindura and Harare have said the Government’s commitment to improving water bodies and irrigation schemes, saying this will improve their lives.
A youthful farmer Mr Joshua Vambe of Bindura said Bindura Dam would go a long way in addressing the threat of hunger in the ward, adding that they can provide food and send children to school once the dam is complete.
“This is an amazing project, we can sell our produce and send our children to school,” he said.
“We are going to grow crops that are in demand so that we earn a lot of money.’’
Another resident Mrs Elizabeth Chiweshe said women in the area were relying on their husbands for survival, but the dam came to rescue women from being abused and harassed.
“Women can grow crops for sale, and what they earn will add to their husbands’ incomes hence chances of gender-based violence are minimised,” she said.
“It is not easy to rely on husbands so we urge other women to participate in irrigation schemes to boost food security for our families and nation at large.’’
Mr Amos Bube of Kuwadzana 1 said Kunzvi Dam will alleviate all water problems in Harare, adding that its completion will have a positive impact.
“We are grateful if this is completed this year. We are seeing a rise in cholera cases in Harare. This will soon end,” he said.
The Second Republic is on a drive to rehabilitate dams and construct new ones as part of efforts to avoid relying on rain-fed agriculture, but on irrigation, to avoid food deficit.
This is meant to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 in line with the National Development Strategy 1 economic blueprint.