The construction of a total of 12 high-impact dams in Zimbabwe is reportedly in good progress. The dams are being built at a cost of US$ 1.1 billion across the South African country.
The flagship dam, Gwayi-Shangani is currently 68 percent complete. The project involves constructing the dam and laying the 252 km pipeline to Bulawayo. With a maximum height of 72 meters, the dam’s current height is 31 meters. 140km of the pipeline’s course on the other hand have been cleared and 9km excavated. Pipeline trenching is ongoing.
Ziminya Dam in Nkayi is 8% complete. The works that are done at the Ziminya Dam site so far include 65% construction of the coffer dam. 95% foundation clearance and 65% of the road leading to the site have also been completed.
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Tuli Manyange Dam in Matabeleland South on the other hand, which is being built at a cost of US$ 88M, is 33% complete. Gwayi-Shangani and Ziminya Dam are respectively being built at a cost of US$ 289M and US$ 133M.
Other dams that are being built as part of the 12 high-impact dams in Zimbabwe include the Vungu dam in the midlands Silverstroom. Dande, Bindura, and Semwa dams in Mashonaland Central are also a part of the 12 not forgetting the Chivhu and Kunzvi dams in Mashonaland East.
Expectations for the 12 high-impact dams in Zimbabwe
The 12 high-impact dams in Zimbabwe are being constructed as part of the Second Republic’s vision of turning Zimbabwe into an upper-middle income economy by 2030. The vision is spearheaded by the government through the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa).
Mrs. Marjorie Munyonga said that both urban and rural communities will benefit from the 12 high-impact dams in Zimbabwe. Munyonga is the Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager. She explained that dams like Bindura, Chivhu, Semwa, Ziminya, Gwayi-Shangani, and Kunzwi will do a lot to assist cities and local authorities with their water supply challenges. These cities and authorities include Harare, Bulawayo, Bindura, Chivhu, Nkayi, and Rushinga.
Furthermore, Mrs. Munyonga said that the dams will also provide irrigation water for communities that have been identified as beneficiaries. For example, she said, in Nkayi district, Ziminya dam will help irrigate 1,250 hectares of land, and supply water for fisheries, and orchards.
As the country pushes for food self-sufficiency, the new dams will also include hydropower stations. This will be in line with the Second Republic’s drive for rural industrialization. The electricity produced will power irrigation pumps when the lakes are full as well as nearby rural communities. This is because of the fact that a majority of these hydro projects are small and therefore their production cant be used commercially.
