Province gets US$1,75m for dam rehabilitation

THE Government has disbursed US$1,75 million to Mashonaland Central province for the ongoing construction of four major dams.

The four dams — Semwa in Mt Darwin; Dande in Guruve; Mbada (Silverstroom) in Muzarabani; and Bindura — are expected to turn the province into a greenbelt.

From the total figure, Semwa Dam was allocated US$1 million, and the other three dams US$250 000 each.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said the funds will be used to rehabilitate the dams and enhance the province’s irrigation capacity.

“I can confirm that we have received

US$1,75 million from the Government for the four dam projects that are under construction in the province, namely Semwa Dam in Mt Darwin; Bindura; Dande in Guruve; and Mbada in Muzarabani,” he said.

“These dams will support irrigation schemes, fisheries and aquatic production, water for residential and commercial use, hydropower generation and recreational activities.”

Enhanced irrigation capacity, he said, will help the province consolidate its status as a prime agricultural producer.

“We are one of the provinces wellknown for feeding the nation, so once construction of these dams is complete, we will even better that status. We want to see more irrigation schemes in our communities and more centre pivots at commercial farms,” he said.

Semwa and Mbada dams have a capacity of 140 million cubic metres each.

Construction works that are underway at both dams include care and diversion of the river, a 102-metre drop inlet spillway, outlet works and access roads, as well as construction of bulk treatment works and a pipeline.

Dande is a zoned earthfill dam that has a maximum height of 45,3 metres and crest length of 340 metres.

Bindura Dam is a conventional earthfill water body and the construction that is currently taking place includes bulk water treatment activities and a pipeline.