Major dam projects near commissioning: Basera

Source: Major dam projects near commissioning: Basera | The Herald

   

Dr John Basera

Herald Reporter
Construction of larger dams budgeted at a total of US$2 billion across the country are nearly finished and some can soon be commissioned, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Dr John Basera has said.

The major dam building programme by the Second Republic has already seen some dams finished and filling, but now the numbers are rising rapidly as work started a couple of years ago is coming up for completion.

The water is needed largely for irrigation, with significant amounts for urban areas, manufacturing and mining.

Dr Basera said Marovanyati and Muchekeranwa dams are finished whilst Chivhu Dam is 98 percent complete.

“The Government, through ZINWA, is currently implementing 12 major dam construction projects around the country whose project elements are at various stages of completion.

“The dam projects are spread across the country and represent major investments in water infrastructure.

“On Gwayi-Shangani we are almost 70 percent to completion; again on Gwayi Shangani for the pipeline to Bulawayo we are still on 10 percent and we have done all the preparatory works.

“As regards Chibi Dam, we are almost 98 to 99 percent and this project is due for commissioning by the President. Marovanyati Dam in Manicaland is 100 percent. Muchekeranwa Dam which is between Manicaland and Mashonaland East is also 100 percent,” he said.

Other dams being built are: Vungu Dam in Midlands, Silverstroom, Dande, Bindura and Semwa dams in Mashonaland Central with Chivhu and Kunzvi dams in Mashonaland East.

People especially those living in rural areas praised the initiative of dam constructions saying it will go a long way in alleviating poverty and hunger in the country.

Pretty Muchihwa of Mudhindo in Guruve said the projects will enable her to make a better living in the society through gardening.

“Water is life hence this project will enable us to earn a living because we can now grow different types of crops which is essential for our living.”

James Mushumba of Zaka said he is grateful for the dams which will positively transform the communities.

“Children can now go to school because we can acquire cash from our produce to send them to school. We are very grateful for the Government on this initiative,” he said.

Mrs Marble Muzanenhamo of Mutare said the project will help her to do fishing business.

“People who are victims of gender-based violence are the ones who rely on their husbands for survival.

The Second Republic is constructing dams across the country to address water challenges and also climate-proof the agricultural sector which remains the mainstay of the country’s economy.

The main dam construction in the present phase was launched in 2019, but was delayed by intermittent Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.