Matabeleland dam levels 'positive'

THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has described water levels in Matabeleland dams as positive following recent heavy rains that pounded the region.

According to statistics from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), as of January 10, Upper Ncema dam in Matabeleland South is now 19,1 percent full after recording an increase of about 11 percent from 8 percent on January 3.

Mtshabezi recorded a 3,7 percent increase and is now at 50,3 percent capacity from 46,6 percent last week.

Zinwa said Lower Ncema Dam recorded a 5,2 percent increase and is now 16, 2 percent of maximum capacity from 11, 5 percent.

In Matabeleland North, supply dams Bubi-Lupane and Insukamini water levels also rose.

Bubi-Lupane recorded a 6, 8 increase and now stands at 57,5 percent of full capacity from 50,7 the previous week while Insukamini stands at 92, 4 percent after recording a 30,3 percent increase from 44 percent over the same period.

Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Mrs Marjorie Munyonga said a number of community dams in Matabeleland region were now full.

She said about seven dams in the country were also already full.

"Some of the country's major dams have started recording increases in water levels as most parts of the country continue to receive rains. Dams in the Matabeleland region have shown a positive increase in the latest recording and a number of community dams have since been recorded full during the festive season," said Mrs Munyonga.

"The national dam level average has also risen to 49 percent which shows a rapid change since the last recording, though the figure is still below the national average expected during this time of the year. The dam level average is usually around 60 percent during this period of the year."

Zinwa urged water users in all sectors to use the available water very sparingly and to practice rainwater harvesting.

"In case of floods members of the public should move to higher ground and keep watching and listening to radio and TV for information," said Mrs Munyonga.

"The Authority also appeals to irrigating farmers and other raw water users to ensure that they enter into water abstraction agreements with Zinwa as is required under the water Act. Any use without the necessary documentation is illegal and offenders are liable to prosecution or risk having their supplies disconnected."