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Govt commends progress on Gwayi-Shangani lake project
4 hrs ago |
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The Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring the Implementation of Government Projects and Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, has commended progress on the Gwayi-Shangani Dam Project following a tour of the flagship infrastructure development, which is expected to transform water security, agriculture and energy supply in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is one of the government's flagship projects and is designed to provide a sustainable water supply to Bulawayo while supporting irrigation development, electricity generation and broader economic growth in the region.
According to officials, implementation has accelerated significantly under the Second Republic, with overall project completion rising from 39% in 2022 to 77%.
Construction is progressing simultaneously on the main dam structure, powerhouse and the 252-kilometre pipeline network that will convey water to Bulawayo.
The project currently employs about 600 workers operating around the clock, with an average of 30 tonnes of quarry material blasted daily to support construction activities.
Officials said the dam wall is expected to be completed before December 2026.
Once completed, the project is expected to deliver approximately 220 megalitres of water per day to Bulawayo, helping address the city's long-standing water shortages.
The development will also generate 10 megawatts of electricity and support irrigation on about 10,000 hectares under the Matabeleland Greenbelt Programme, which is intended to boost agricultural production and improve food security in the region.
The completed reservoir will cover approximately 691 square kilometres.
Government officials said about 850 families affected by the project will be resettled on 600 hectares of land that has already been identified.
During the tour, Dr Gumbo commended the progress achieved and stressed the need for sustained funding, efficient project implementation and close collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
He said the successful delivery of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam would play a critical role in improving water security, supporting industrial growth, expanding irrigation and contributing to long-term socio-economic development in Matabeleland and Zimbabwe as a whole.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is one of the government's flagship projects and is designed to provide a sustainable water supply to Bulawayo while supporting irrigation development, electricity generation and broader economic growth in the region.
According to officials, implementation has accelerated significantly under the Second Republic, with overall project completion rising from 39% in 2022 to 77%.
Construction is progressing simultaneously on the main dam structure, powerhouse and the 252-kilometre pipeline network that will convey water to Bulawayo.
The project currently employs about 600 workers operating around the clock, with an average of 30 tonnes of quarry material blasted daily to support construction activities.
Officials said the dam wall is expected to be completed before December 2026.
Once completed, the project is expected to deliver approximately 220 megalitres of water per day to Bulawayo, helping address the city's long-standing water shortages.
The development will also generate 10 megawatts of electricity and support irrigation on about 10,000 hectares under the Matabeleland Greenbelt Programme, which is intended to boost agricultural production and improve food security in the region.
The completed reservoir will cover approximately 691 square kilometres.
Government officials said about 850 families affected by the project will be resettled on 600 hectares of land that has already been identified.
During the tour, Dr Gumbo commended the progress achieved and stressed the need for sustained funding, efficient project implementation and close collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
He said the successful delivery of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam would play a critical role in improving water security, supporting industrial growth, expanding irrigation and contributing to long-term socio-economic development in Matabeleland and Zimbabwe as a whole.
Source - online
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