Zimbabwe's dam water levels up by 1.59%

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) reports an encouraging rise in water levels across the country's major dams, attributing the improvement to the ongoing wet spell experienced nationwide.

ZINWA spokesperson Marjorie Munyonga told ZBC News that the recent rains have significantly alleviated the effects of the El Niño-induced drought that devastated water reserves last summer.

"The current wet spell being experienced in the country continues to push water levels in major dams up, with the national average at 59 percent, marking a 1.59 percent improvement by December 30," Munyonga said.

She noted, however, that water levels remain below the 78 percent recorded during the same period last year. "We are hopeful to see further improvement as the current rains continue to push water levels up," she added.

Among the notable recoveries, Tugwi Mukosi Dam, the country's largest reservoir, is now at 60 percent capacity. Masembura Dam has reached 78 percent, while Khami and Exchange dams, supplied by the Gwayi River, are now at full capacity.

The rise in dam levels is a welcome development for water supply and agriculture in Zimbabwe, which were severely impacted by last year's drought. Authorities remain optimistic that continued rainfall will further boost water security across the country.