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Gwayi-Shangani Dam targeted completion moved to 2027
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The construction of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam has reached 72,1 percent completion, marking a major milestone for the multi-purpose project that is expected to transform Matabeleland North and surrounding regions. The dam is projected to be completed by February 2027.
On Monday, a high-level delegation from the Office of the President and Cabinet's monitoring and evaluation team visited the project site to assess progress and reaffirm the dam's strategic importance to national development.
Providing an update, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, said significant technical work had been accomplished in recent weeks.
"The Gwayi-Shangani Dam project is currently 72,1 percent complete, with recent accomplishments including treatment of cracks on the dam spillway section, gap grouting of the main dam wall, and concrete placing for the mini hydro power plant foundation," said Mr Mangwana.
He highlighted the dam's long-term benefits, noting that it will provide water, generate power, support irrigation, promote fisheries, and boost tourism in Matabeleland North. "The Government has committed to disbursing US$5 million monthly," he added.
The recent works, including crack treatment on the spillway and reinforcement of the dam wall, are seen as vital to ensuring the structure's durability. Construction of the mini-hydro plant foundation will enable the dam to contribute electricity to the national grid once completed.
Long beset by delays, the project has gained momentum under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, with contractors now operating on a 24-hour schedule after Treasury released US$5 million last month. Treasury has pledged to continue monthly disbursements of the same amount to ensure uninterrupted progress.
Beyond infrastructure, the project is already uplifting communities. About 480 people from areas such as Mabale, Lupane, and Lubimbi are employed at the site. Traditional leaders, the Hwange Rural District Council, local communities, and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority are also actively involved.
The dam, constructed at the confluence of the Gwayi and Tshangani rivers, forms part of the broader National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project. Once completed, Lake Gwayi-Tshangani will become Zimbabwe's third-largest inland water body, after Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo Province.
Officials say the project promises to usher in a new era of water security, economic empowerment, and sustainable development for Matabeleland North and the nation at large.
On Monday, a high-level delegation from the Office of the President and Cabinet's monitoring and evaluation team visited the project site to assess progress and reaffirm the dam's strategic importance to national development.
Providing an update, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, said significant technical work had been accomplished in recent weeks.
"The Gwayi-Shangani Dam project is currently 72,1 percent complete, with recent accomplishments including treatment of cracks on the dam spillway section, gap grouting of the main dam wall, and concrete placing for the mini hydro power plant foundation," said Mr Mangwana.
He highlighted the dam's long-term benefits, noting that it will provide water, generate power, support irrigation, promote fisheries, and boost tourism in Matabeleland North. "The Government has committed to disbursing US$5 million monthly," he added.
Long beset by delays, the project has gained momentum under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, with contractors now operating on a 24-hour schedule after Treasury released US$5 million last month. Treasury has pledged to continue monthly disbursements of the same amount to ensure uninterrupted progress.
Beyond infrastructure, the project is already uplifting communities. About 480 people from areas such as Mabale, Lupane, and Lubimbi are employed at the site. Traditional leaders, the Hwange Rural District Council, local communities, and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority are also actively involved.
The dam, constructed at the confluence of the Gwayi and Tshangani rivers, forms part of the broader National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project. Once completed, Lake Gwayi-Tshangani will become Zimbabwe's third-largest inland water body, after Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo Province.
Officials say the project promises to usher in a new era of water security, economic empowerment, and sustainable development for Matabeleland North and the nation at large.
Source - online
