A concrete promise of a prosperous future
MATABELELAND NORTH has long been one of Zimbabwe’s most treasured crown jewels.
From the thunderous roar of the Victoria Falls and the thrilling Big Five encounters in the Hwange National Park to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Binga, the province has often mesmerised visitors and locals alike.
But the province is not just a tourism haven; it also powers Zimbabwe’s economic engine as it hosts the country’s largest thermal power station and rich coal deposits.
And in just eight months, another gem will be added to its fabulous collection — the magnificent Lake Gwayi-Shangani.
The behemoth structure of steel and concrete is not just another dam, but a promise of a brighter future for the province and beyond.
The dam wall is rising at breakneck speed, roads are snaking through the landscape and a hydropower station, as well as water pump stations, are taking shape.
All this is happening simultaneously. Site engineer Ms Tinevimbo Musingarimi said, despite the false starts over the past years, the project now holds the record of being the fastest-built dam in the country.
“I believe it is the technology being used — the roller-compacted concrete (RCC) technology. With this technology, we do not need to wait for 28 days to cure the concrete, unlike what is done at other dam sites,” she said.
“This site also has concrete mixing plants that mix roughly 200 cubic metres per hour.
“Besides the technology, we are assembling our own materials, especially for the pipes used for the hydropower station.”
RCC is a revolutionary technology that is transforming dam construction with its speed, strength and cost effectiveness.
Unlike traditional concrete, which requires time to cure, RCC is “zero-slump”, meaning it is stiff enough to be compacted immediately with vibratory rollers.
Traditional concrete involves pouring, waiting and finishing, and each step requires skilled labour and specific conditions.
Progress
“The dam is now 72 percent complete,” said Eng Musingarimi.
“This does not refer to the dam wall only,
but all the other components such as piping, development of the hydropower station and work on the power-boosted pump station. “All the work is being done simultaneously. “With consistent funding, the project will be completed in eight months.”
The heart of the project — the arched concrete dam wall — currently stands at 39 metres. A total of 33 metres is outstanding.
A few metres above the dam wall, a panoramic view of the area shows the confluence of Gwayi and Shangani rivers glistening on the horizon. Unlike traditional dams, GwayiShangani boasts a unique spillway design — it has no spill gates. The absence of spill gates is compensated by a carefully engineered slope.
The dam wall’s front inclines gently, gradually directing excess water over the top once it reaches capacity.
This innovative approach simplifies construction while maintaining safety and functionality. Meanwhile, work on the mini-hydropower station is also advancing.
Pipes that will carry water from the dam to the station are already in place.
Additionally, a vertical tower on the western side of the dam, acting as a monitoring hub, has already been completed.
This structure houses computerised equipment that will monitor the dam’s temperature, water levels and movement, ensuring its structural integrity. Permanent access roads to the dam wall are now operational, with final levelling and tarring underway.
Locations for six booster pumps to thrust water towards Bulawayo, due to the city’s elevated position, have been identified.
Furthermore, the crucial 252-kilometre
pipeline to convey water from the lake to Bulawayo is being constructed.
Running parallel to the Bulawayo-Hwange-Victoria Falls railway line, it will soon bridge the gap between the water source and a thirsty city.
Engineering surveyor at the site Mr Emmanuel Kamhunga said six booster pumps will be used to convey water to the city.
“About 200 metres from the dam wall, we are going to put up a reach tower, which will supply water to the first pump station that will be 50 metres from the tower,” he said.
“We are going to use a booster pump to pump water to station number two, which is almost 21 kilometres from the dam.
“The third station is being constructed in the Hwange National Park; then from there, another pump station will be in Umguza.
“From there, another booster pump to pump water to station five at Sawmills will be established, while the final booster pump will be at Nyamandlovu.”
The main water treatment plant, he said, will be in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo.
From mirage to oasis
For decades, the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project, which promised relief to a parched region, appeared forever out of reach. Today, however, it is becoming a reality. First conceived in 1912, the project has been plagued by delays and setbacks.
Development stalled and restarted amid funding challenges and changing priorities.
For many, the project became a symbol of unfulfilled promises. However, under the Second Republic, the project has gained renewed momentum. Lake Gwayi-Shangani is among the flagship infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Government in its drive to foster inclusive and equitable development.
In the 2024 National Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube allocated $192 billion towards the project.
About $160 billion will go towards construction of the lake, $30 billion was set aside for the pipeline, while $2 billion will go towards development of the water treatment plant. Said Engineer Musingarimi: “Lake Gwayi-Shangani is a first of its kind in the province; it is the third-largest inland lake in the country after Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi, both in Masvingo province.”
Elixir of life
For the people of Matabeleland, the significance of Lake Gwayi-Shangani extends far beyond its ability to hold water.
It represents a lifeline and chance to escape chronic water shortages.
For them, it is a catalyst for development. “The lake will cater for people in three different districts in the province, as well as thousands of others in another province, which is Bulawayo. This stands out for me,” added Eng Musingarimi.The lake straddles three districts: Binga, Hwange and Lupane.
Land has already been set aside for irrigation schemes on 10 000 hectares in districts along the 245km pipeline to Bulawayo.
Villagers living adjacent to the dam and along the pipeline are also set to receive potable water directly into their homesteads.
Headman Simon Ncube of Gabezwa village, which is near the construction site, is elated.
“We receive very little rainfall and this has affected our farming,” he said, standing beside his field of wilted maize crop. Water shortages also affect our livestock. I understand the dam will come with irrigation, as well as water for the community, and we are more than grateful for that.”
Ms Charlotte Ncube from the same village believes the dam will change their lives.
“Our eyes and hope are now fixed on the dam; I believe it will make our lives easier,” she said.
“Water is a challenge for communities in this area, from farmers and livestock to expectant mothers at the local clinic. It is difficult for us to take part in some Government programmes because of lack of water. With the little rainfall that we have received so far, there is nothing in the fields and we have been surviving from work on the dam. This gives us hope that there is more to come.”
The project has also created massive job opportunities for the locals, employing about 700 people at its peak. Development of the dam will also witness the “reorganisation” of Libimbi village adjacent to the dam.
“It is not resettlement but rather reorganisation,” Eng Musingarimi added.
“Around 732 households will be reorganised within their communities.
“We are going to move them from the high flood level, which will be in the water path. “We have completed designing the houses. “So, the community, their school and clinic will be reorganised.”
In less than a year, when the water starts flowing into the lake, a new chapter will unfold for Matabeleland North, one brimming with possibility and a long-awaited sense of security.