Mtshabezi-Umzingwane dams pipeline project to be completed in May 2012

Minister of Water Resources Development and Management, Mr Samuel Sipepa-Nkomo, said the Mtshabezi-Umzingwane dams pipeline project would be complete by May next year. The 42km pipeline is meant to boost Bulawayo water supplies and also transform the lives of villagers along its corridor.

Last month Sipepa-Nkomo said the Zimbabwe National Water Authority  (ZNWA) had completed construction and laying of pipes and accused Zesa of delaying the connection of electricity to the main pump station.

Addressing delegates at a Turnall familiarisation tour on Friday, Minister Nkomo said the project was only awaiting to be connected with electricity.

"Zesa had quoted $4,5 million and it was exorbitant so we negotiated and they reduced it to $2 million.

"We invited tenders to supply the project with electricity and the tender was won by a Bulawayo company, Hydro Power and I am sure by May next year water will be flowing," he said.

Minister Nkomo said it was the duty of his ministry to address water shortages that were affecting communities.

"This is a very important project for the people of Matabeleland and Bulawayo. Shortage of water, among other factors such as liquidity and recapitalisation problems, was one main reason why industries were closing in the province," he said.

Minister Nkomo said the Government was committed to the revival of industries in the city hence they were going to continue fighting for the region to also enjoy a fair share of the national cake.

"It is in this regard that my ministry has been implementing the Mtshabezi pipeline so as to boost water supplies to Bulawayo. We understand water is very crucial for the running of many businesses hence the resource has to be readily available," he said.

The Mtshabezi pipeline project is a short-term measure meant to address the city's perennial water shortages that have seen some suburbs going for days without water and industries operating at a low capacity.