Tugwi-Mukosi Dam should benefit locals

LAST week, it was reported that Zimbabwe has sealed a massive multi-million-dollar project to supply bulk water to neighbouring South Africa.

The water will be drawn from the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam in Masvingo while eventually another dam, twice the size of the country's largest inland dam, will be built at the confluence of Runde and Tende rivers in southern Masvingo to boost supplies.

Italian company Sallini Construction has been awarded the tender to build a pipeline to supply Polokwane, Louis Trichardt and Musina.

It is unfortunate that the government is thinking of lining its pockets at the expense of the livelihoods of the people.

The mighty Tugwi-Mukosi dam must immediately benefit the nation, rather than South Africa.

The water body has the potential to irrigate thousands of hectares of land, turning the province into a green belt.

Considering that the province is prone to drought, this will enable it to be self sufficient in terms of food.

People who were displaced to pave way for the construction of the dam should be given priority.

The best way of compensating them is to start income-generating projects, especially irrigation schemes, so that their livelihoods can be restored.

The generation of hydro electric power will bolster the country's power generation capacity, as we aim to reduce electricity imports and save scarce and diminishing foreign currency.

Already there is talk of fish farming on the dam, which is a very positive development as the business is a good source of cash and offers benefits to the communities near the dam and the country.

Tourism, if well-managed, can create employment opportunities for the people.

The availability of a perennial source of water will mitigate the effects of drought on both people and animals.

What is important is that the government and all interested stakeholders at home and abroad must make sure the dam does not lie idle without anyone making use of it.

The responsible authorities must make sure all dams, starting with Tugwi-Mukosi, are used to the maximum to change the lives of people for the better than becoming white elephants.