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Gwayi-Shangani pump station works near completion
2 hrs ago |
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Construction of key infrastructure linked to the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project is gathering pace, with works at Booster Pump Station Three in Tsholotsho District expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The pump station forms part of the broader Gwayi-Shangani-Bulawayo water conveyance scheme, which includes a 250-kilometre pipeline and five booster stations designed to transport water from the lake to Bulawayo.
The long-awaited project, first proposed in 1912, gained renewed momentum under the Second Republic through a domestic resource mobilisation programme aimed at addressing chronic water shortages and stimulating economic development in Matabeleland North Province.
Resident engineer Noel Muzanenhamo said major works at Pump Station Three were nearing completion.
"Construction of the brick pressure tank is now 98 percent complete, while the pump house is at 60 percent completion. After finishing work at this site, we will move to another site at Sawmills. All the works are expected to be completed this year," he said.
The five booster stations are located across Matabeleland North, with Pump Station One situated at Cross Mabale in Hwange District, Pump Stations Two and Three in Tsholotsho District, Pump Station Four at Sawmills and Pump Station Five in Nyamandlovu, Umguza District.
The project is also creating employment opportunities for surrounding communities, with 70 local workers currently employed at Pump Station Three.
Traditional leader Chief Mabhikwa welcomed the development, saying improved water access would transform livelihoods in the drought-prone region.
"We are grateful for this project as it will bring water to this area, which is generally a dry region. This will surely lead to the establishment of a green belt that will provide livelihoods for the community," he said.
The Gwayi-Shangani project remains one of Zimbabwe's flagship infrastructure developments and is expected to significantly improve water security for Bulawayo and nearby communities while supporting agriculture, industry and long-term regional economic growth.
The pump station forms part of the broader Gwayi-Shangani-Bulawayo water conveyance scheme, which includes a 250-kilometre pipeline and five booster stations designed to transport water from the lake to Bulawayo.
The long-awaited project, first proposed in 1912, gained renewed momentum under the Second Republic through a domestic resource mobilisation programme aimed at addressing chronic water shortages and stimulating economic development in Matabeleland North Province.
Resident engineer Noel Muzanenhamo said major works at Pump Station Three were nearing completion.
"Construction of the brick pressure tank is now 98 percent complete, while the pump house is at 60 percent completion. After finishing work at this site, we will move to another site at Sawmills. All the works are expected to be completed this year," he said.
The project is also creating employment opportunities for surrounding communities, with 70 local workers currently employed at Pump Station Three.
Traditional leader Chief Mabhikwa welcomed the development, saying improved water access would transform livelihoods in the drought-prone region.
"We are grateful for this project as it will bring water to this area, which is generally a dry region. This will surely lead to the establishment of a green belt that will provide livelihoods for the community," he said.
The Gwayi-Shangani project remains one of Zimbabwe's flagship infrastructure developments and is expected to significantly improve water security for Bulawayo and nearby communities while supporting agriculture, industry and long-term regional economic growth.
Source - the chronicle
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