Kunzvi Dam now 72 percent complete, begins impounding water 

Source: Kunzvi Dam now 72 percent complete, begins impounding water – herald

Mashonaland East Bureau

THE construction of Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East province is progressing well, now standing at 72 percent completion.

This major infrastructure project aims to alleviate the chronic water shortages faced by Harare, Chitungwiza and growth points like Goromonzi and Juru.

With the dam now impounding water, officials are optimistic about its potential benefits for both local communities and the broader economy.

Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri gave the construction update at a recent handover ceremony of homes built for families affected by the dam’s construction.

He said the project followed a “build back better” concept.

“Where people are affected because of the dam construction, the Government will build new homes for them,” he remarked, underscoring the commitment to community welfare. The dam’s design incorporates multiple economic components, transforming it into a multifaceted project that includes irrigation, hydropower generation and aquaculture.

Said Prof Jiri: “The Kunzvi Dam project is now almost complete. We are now at 72 percent and there is progress every day.

“The dam has now started impounding water, which means that all the people in the vicinity of the dam are now at risk of flooding. As we continue building dams, we have a dam as an economic concept that we are now following. All the dam projects now follow this concept where a dam is not the project, but it must create an economy, where we include fish in the dam, hydropower because where there is water, we can easily put hydropower there. We also must include irrigation, as well as a water reticulation system for the community.”

Such a holistic view will not only ensure that the dam serves its primary function of water supply, but also contributes to local economies and job creation by enabling fishing and agricultural activities.

The benefits of Kunzvi Dam extend beyond immediate water supply needs.

Harare is presently grappling with severe water shortages, with daily supplies averaging 400 megalitres and a demand of approximately 800 megalitres.

To address this issue, the construction of the Kunzvi-Harare pipeline is also underway. This vital 48-kilometre pipeline will channel raw water from the dam to a treatment facility at Donnybrook in eastern Harare.

Once operational, it is expected to convey up to 240 megalitres of water daily, significantly easing the supply deficit and providing much-needed relief to residents.

Community members have expressed their enthusiasm for the dam, recognising its potential to improve their quality of life. Local farmers are particularly optimistic, as reliable access to water can enhance agricultural productivity, enabling them to grow more crops year-round.

Further, the dam may attract investments in irrigation systems and farming equipment, further boosting the local economy.

The dam construction itself is creating jobs in the region, providing an economic boost to affected families. Skilled and unskilled workers are needed on-site, and as construction progresses, this employment will have positive ripple effects throughout the community.

Beyond immediate jobs, the dam is expected to foster longer-term employment opportunities in sectors such as tourism and fisheries as the area develops into a multifunctional economic hub.

As the Kunzvi Dam project nears completion, it symbolises more than just a solution to water shortages; it is a renewed commitment to sustainable development and enhancing livelihoods in Zimbabwe.

With the collaborative efforts of the Government, local communities and various stakeholders, Kunzvi Dam is poised to serve as a vital resource that supports water security, agricultural growth and economic rejuvenation, not only improving the lives of those in the immediate vicinity, but also contributing to the overall resilience of the nation.