Kunzvi Dam now 72% complete

The construction of Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East province is progressing steadily, now standing at 72 percent completion, with officials optimistic about its potential to alleviate chronic water shortages in Harare, Chitungwiza, and surrounding growth points such as Goromonzi and Juru.

Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, provided the update during a recent handover ceremony for homes built for families affected by the dam's construction. He emphasised that the project follows a "build back better" approach, ensuring that communities displaced by the dam are provided with new housing.

"The Kunzvi Dam project is now almost complete. We are at 72 percent and progress continues every day," Prof Jiri said. "The dam has started impounding water, which brings flood risks to the surrounding areas, but it also marks the beginning of a broader economic vision. Dams are not just infrastructure; they must create an economy. We are integrating irrigation, hydropower, aquaculture, and water reticulation for communities."

Designed as a multifaceted project, Kunzvi Dam will provide water for domestic and industrial use, while promoting local economic activities such as fishing and agriculture. Community members have welcomed the project, with local farmers particularly optimistic about the potential for year-round irrigation, increased crop yields, and improved livelihoods.

Harare currently faces severe water shortages, with daily supply averaging 400 megalitres against a demand of approximately 800 megalitres. To address this, a 48-kilometre Kunzvi-Harare pipeline is under construction to convey raw water from the dam to a treatment facility at Donnybrook in eastern Harare. Once operational, the pipeline is expected to supply up to 240 megalitres of water daily, significantly easing the city's supply deficit.

Beyond water provision, the dam is generating employment for skilled and unskilled workers during construction, providing an economic boost to local families. In the longer term, the project is expected to foster opportunities in tourism, fisheries, and agricultural investment, transforming the area into a multifunctional economic hub.

Prof Jiri underscored the Government's commitment to sustainable development, stating that the Kunzvi Dam is not just a solution to water shortages but a catalyst for economic rejuvenation and improved livelihoods. With collaboration among the Government, local communities, and stakeholders, Kunzvi Dam is set to enhance water security, boost agricultural productivity, and strengthen resilience across the region.