News / National
Lake Gwayi-Tshangani construction set to resume
06 Dec 2024 at 06:35hrs | Views
The long-awaited construction of the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani Dam in Matabeleland North is set to resume, thanks to a ZWG1 billion allocation in the 2025 national budget aimed at completing the remaining works. This major infrastructure project, which has reached 72% completion, faced delays earlier this year due to limited fiscal resources. However, with renewed financial support from the Treasury, progress is now poised to accelerate.
The 2025 national budget allocates ZWG700 million for direct dam construction works, while an additional ZWG282 million is earmarked for the pipeline project to Bulawayo, ensuring that the city's water supply challenges are addressed. Despite the ongoing drought that required the government to refocus its priorities towards hunger alleviation, the commitment to completing this dam remains strong.
Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, highlighted the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in the country's development. "The 2025 National Budget prioritizes dams nearing completion, such as Gwayi-Tshangani and Kunzvi, along with the development of conveyancing infrastructure to Bulawayo and Harare, cities that continue to face significant water supply challenges," he said.
Resumption of Construction Brings Hope for Development
The news of the resumption of works has been welcomed by local leaders, with Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, expressing his excitement. "We are thrilled that the minister allocated special funds for this life-changing project. We are hopeful that by the first or second quarter of 2025, construction work will be completed," he said. However, he emphasized that the timely disbursement of funds is crucial for ensuring the project's completion.
Minister Moyo further stressed that the focus on the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project is a clear indication of President Mnangagwa's commitment to fulfilling his promises of improving livelihoods and driving economic transformation in the region.
Project Overview and Long-term Impact
The Lake Gwayi-Tshangani Dam, located about 6.5 km from the confluence of the Gwayi and Shangani rivers, forms part of the national Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, a century-old plan that has seen various delays in the past. The dam, once completed, will have a gross capacity of 650 million cubic meters, making it the third-largest inland dam in Zimbabwe after Tugwi Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi.
Currently, only 39 meters of the planned 72-meter dam wall have been constructed, and an additional US$48 million is needed to complete the project by next year. The project's contractor, China Water and Electric Corporation, in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), is working to complete the dam's concrete gravity arch structure.
When completed, the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani Dam will provide a reliable water supply to Bulawayo for the next 80 years, significantly improving the city's water security and reducing its dependency on supply dams in Matabeleland South. Additionally, the dam will support irrigation for at least 10,000 hectares of land in Binga, Hwange, and Lupane, benefiting local communities along the pipeline.
A Catalyst for Rural Industrialization
Beyond water provision, the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project is expected to catalyze rural industrialization in the Matabeleland region. With access to clean water and electricity, local communities will be empowered to develop industries and institutions that can drive economic growth.
The Government's broader aim, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), is to increase the proportion of people with access to potable water from 78% to 90% by next year. The Lake Gwayi-Tshangani Dam will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal, transforming the Matabeleland region into a hub for sustainable development.
With the completion of this significant project on the horizon, the government's continued investment in water infrastructure is set to have lasting benefits, not only for Bulawayo but for the entire Matabeleland region.
The 2025 national budget allocates ZWG700 million for direct dam construction works, while an additional ZWG282 million is earmarked for the pipeline project to Bulawayo, ensuring that the city's water supply challenges are addressed. Despite the ongoing drought that required the government to refocus its priorities towards hunger alleviation, the commitment to completing this dam remains strong.
Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, highlighted the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in the country's development. "The 2025 National Budget prioritizes dams nearing completion, such as Gwayi-Tshangani and Kunzvi, along with the development of conveyancing infrastructure to Bulawayo and Harare, cities that continue to face significant water supply challenges," he said.
Resumption of Construction Brings Hope for Development
The news of the resumption of works has been welcomed by local leaders, with Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, expressing his excitement. "We are thrilled that the minister allocated special funds for this life-changing project. We are hopeful that by the first or second quarter of 2025, construction work will be completed," he said. However, he emphasized that the timely disbursement of funds is crucial for ensuring the project's completion.
Minister Moyo further stressed that the focus on the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project is a clear indication of President Mnangagwa's commitment to fulfilling his promises of improving livelihoods and driving economic transformation in the region.
Project Overview and Long-term Impact
The Lake Gwayi-Tshangani Dam, located about 6.5 km from the confluence of the Gwayi and Shangani rivers, forms part of the national Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, a century-old plan that has seen various delays in the past. The dam, once completed, will have a gross capacity of 650 million cubic meters, making it the third-largest inland dam in Zimbabwe after Tugwi Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi.
Currently, only 39 meters of the planned 72-meter dam wall have been constructed, and an additional US$48 million is needed to complete the project by next year. The project's contractor, China Water and Electric Corporation, in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), is working to complete the dam's concrete gravity arch structure.
When completed, the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani Dam will provide a reliable water supply to Bulawayo for the next 80 years, significantly improving the city's water security and reducing its dependency on supply dams in Matabeleland South. Additionally, the dam will support irrigation for at least 10,000 hectares of land in Binga, Hwange, and Lupane, benefiting local communities along the pipeline.
A Catalyst for Rural Industrialization
Beyond water provision, the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project is expected to catalyze rural industrialization in the Matabeleland region. With access to clean water and electricity, local communities will be empowered to develop industries and institutions that can drive economic growth.
The Government's broader aim, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), is to increase the proportion of people with access to potable water from 78% to 90% by next year. The Lake Gwayi-Tshangani Dam will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal, transforming the Matabeleland region into a hub for sustainable development.
With the completion of this significant project on the horizon, the government's continued investment in water infrastructure is set to have lasting benefits, not only for Bulawayo but for the entire Matabeleland region.
Source - The Chronicle
