Rains boost dam levels

WATER levels for Zimbabwe’s major dams have increased slightly by 0,49 percent from last week thanks to the above average rains being experienced in most parts of the country.

The Meteorological Services Department in its forecast said thundery rain showers are set to persist though light and isolated falls are expected to the south in areas such as Matabeleland South, southern areas of the Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo.

The dam levels have been declining since December last year, with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) attributing the decline to the high temperatures recorded countrywide.

In a statement yesterday, Zinwa corporate communications officer Mr Tsungirirai Shoriwa said there had been a slight increase in dam levels, with the dam level average being 67 percent, marking a 0,49 percent rise from the previous week.

“Manyame Catchment has the highest dam level average at 86,7 percent followed by Mazowe Catchment with 83,6 percent, Sanyati Catchment 70,9 percent, Save Catchment 65,9 percent, Mzingwanes 68,7 percent, Runde Catchment 59,4 percent and Gwayi Catchment 58,7 percent,” he said.

While appreciating the positive movement in dam levels, Mr Shoriwa urged water users in all sectors to use the available water sparingly and to practise rain water harvesting.

He said the water available was sufficient to meet domestic and irrigation requirements and in cases where it did not, Zinwa would continue to monitor the situation.

“There are some instances where the water levels may not be adequate and Zinwa will continue to monitor the situation,” he said.

“Prospective raw water users are encouraged to approach their nearest Zinwa catchment offices and sign water abstraction agreements that allow them to legally access water in Zinwa-managed dams as prescribed by the law,” Mr Shoriwa said, adding water was a finite resource which needed to be conserved.