News / National
Gwayi-Shangani project 72% amid concerns over slow progress
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The long-awaited Gwayi-Shangani Dam, a cornerstone project of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, is now 72% complete, showing only a modest 2% progress since October 2024. The slow pace has drawn criticism from observers concerned about repeated delays and missed deadlines.
Originally slated for completion in December 2023, the project's timeline was first extended to the first quarter of 2024 due to resource constraints. By October last year, the dam wall had reached 70.2% completion, with 39 metres constructed out of the planned 72 metres. The current completion target has now been set for December 2025.
The 2025 national budget allocated ZiG1 billion to the initiative, including ZiG700 million for dam construction and ZiG282 million for the pipeline that will link the dam to Bulawayo.
At a recent provincial development review meeting, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo expressed confidence that the project would meet its revised deadline.
"The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is a flagship project under the second republic and a key component of Vision 2030," Moyo said. "At 72% completion, we are on track to meet the target. The dam will not only supply potable water to Bulawayo but will also support six irrigation schemes and generate 10 megawatts (MW) of hydro-electric power."
The dam's pipeline, stretching 252 km to Bulawayo and another 122 km from the Zambezi River, is expected to benefit thousands of households along the route, providing much-needed relief to a region frequently affected by drought.
Once finished, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam is projected to significantly ease Bulawayo's chronic water shortages. Beyond potable water supply, the project aims to irrigate up to 10,000 hectares of farmland, promote fish farming, and house a 10MW hydroelectric power station to bolster regional energy supply.
Despite ongoing funding and logistical challenges, authorities stress the dam's vital role in enhancing water security and driving economic growth in Matabeleland.
"This project will be a game-changer for the people of Matabeleland North," Minister Moyo said. "It will stimulate agricultural productivity through irrigation, create employment, and ensure water security, especially in drought-prone areas."
Moyo also called on local leaders and communities to remain united and focused on the development agenda. "Our vision for a prosperous Matabeleland North is within reach. Let us continue to work together with the government to uplift the lives of our people," he urged.
As the region awaits the dam's completion, the project remains a symbol of hope for sustainable development and long-term resilience in Matabeleland.
Originally slated for completion in December 2023, the project's timeline was first extended to the first quarter of 2024 due to resource constraints. By October last year, the dam wall had reached 70.2% completion, with 39 metres constructed out of the planned 72 metres. The current completion target has now been set for December 2025.
The 2025 national budget allocated ZiG1 billion to the initiative, including ZiG700 million for dam construction and ZiG282 million for the pipeline that will link the dam to Bulawayo.
At a recent provincial development review meeting, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo expressed confidence that the project would meet its revised deadline.
"The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is a flagship project under the second republic and a key component of Vision 2030," Moyo said. "At 72% completion, we are on track to meet the target. The dam will not only supply potable water to Bulawayo but will also support six irrigation schemes and generate 10 megawatts (MW) of hydro-electric power."
The dam's pipeline, stretching 252 km to Bulawayo and another 122 km from the Zambezi River, is expected to benefit thousands of households along the route, providing much-needed relief to a region frequently affected by drought.
Once finished, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam is projected to significantly ease Bulawayo's chronic water shortages. Beyond potable water supply, the project aims to irrigate up to 10,000 hectares of farmland, promote fish farming, and house a 10MW hydroelectric power station to bolster regional energy supply.
Despite ongoing funding and logistical challenges, authorities stress the dam's vital role in enhancing water security and driving economic growth in Matabeleland.
"This project will be a game-changer for the people of Matabeleland North," Minister Moyo said. "It will stimulate agricultural productivity through irrigation, create employment, and ensure water security, especially in drought-prone areas."
Moyo also called on local leaders and communities to remain united and focused on the development agenda. "Our vision for a prosperous Matabeleland North is within reach. Let us continue to work together with the government to uplift the lives of our people," he urged.
As the region awaits the dam's completion, the project remains a symbol of hope for sustainable development and long-term resilience in Matabeleland.
Source - newsday
