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Matebeleland dams spill
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Several dams in Matebeleland South province, including Zhovhe Dam, Silalabuhwa Dam, and Tuli Makwe, have started spilling, providing much-needed relief to farmers who had endured a challenging year due to an El Niño-induced drought.
Recent heavy rains across Zimbabwe have significantly increased water levels in major dams, with the national dam level average now standing at 61 percent, up from 58.83 percent at the start of the year.
Zhovhe Dam, located in the Mazunga area of Beitbridge District, has reached 101 percent capacity, while Silalabuhwa Dam is at 104.1 percent. Both dams are managed under the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) Umzingwane catchment and are crucial for water supply to livestock and irrigation farming.
Mr. Alfred Makhomo, a farmer from Lot 9 in Ward 14, Beitbridge, expressed relief at the resurgence of water in Zhovhe Dam. "Zhovhe Dam is a major water source for irrigation farming along the Umzingwane River. We have a mini greenbelt where farmers grow crops and even stock feed for animals. Last year, we were deeply concerned as water levels dropped significantly. This year, we are optimistic," he said.
For citrus producer Mrs. Saliwe Marema, the overflowing of Zhovhe Dam is a boon for her farm in Mazunga. "We are happy to see Zhovhe Dam spilling, especially after a year of battling the effects of the El Niño-induced drought. The situation had become dire for us, particularly as large-scale citrus producers and horticulturists. This significant water supply will allow us to resume full-scale production to meet client demands," she said.
The positive developments extend to other regions, with Ngwenya Dam and Exchange Dam in Matabeleland North also surpassing full capacity at 106.5 percent and 105.8 percent, respectively. These dams are vital for irrigation and water supply across the region.
Zinwa's head of corporate communications, Mrs. Marjorie Munyonga, emphasized the importance of vigilance for communities downstream of spilling dams. "Water levels in the country's major dams continue to rise due to ongoing rainfall, with the national dam level average increasing to 61.4 percent as of January 6, 2025. This marks a 2.17 percent rise since the beginning of the year," she said.
However, Mrs. Munyonga cautioned that despite these improvements, the current national average remains lower than the 78 percent recorded during the same period last year. She urged water consumers to use available resources sparingly and efficiently.
"Communities downstream of spilling dams should avoid crossing flooded rivers and ensure that all water abstraction equipment along river channels is removed or properly secured. All water use for purposes beyond primary needs, including summer crop irrigation, must comply with water abstraction agreements as stipulated by the law," she added.
In addition to Zhovhe and Silalabuhwa, other dams spilling across the country include Lungwala, Moza, Masholomoshe, Hama, Lower Zibagwe, Nyawa, and Tuli-Makwe, among others.
"Farmers and communities are encouraged to continue preparing for the agricultural season while adhering to safety precautions to mitigate risks associated with heavy rains and flooding," said Mrs. Munyonga.
Recent heavy rains across Zimbabwe have significantly increased water levels in major dams, with the national dam level average now standing at 61 percent, up from 58.83 percent at the start of the year.
Zhovhe Dam, located in the Mazunga area of Beitbridge District, has reached 101 percent capacity, while Silalabuhwa Dam is at 104.1 percent. Both dams are managed under the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) Umzingwane catchment and are crucial for water supply to livestock and irrigation farming.
Mr. Alfred Makhomo, a farmer from Lot 9 in Ward 14, Beitbridge, expressed relief at the resurgence of water in Zhovhe Dam. "Zhovhe Dam is a major water source for irrigation farming along the Umzingwane River. We have a mini greenbelt where farmers grow crops and even stock feed for animals. Last year, we were deeply concerned as water levels dropped significantly. This year, we are optimistic," he said.
For citrus producer Mrs. Saliwe Marema, the overflowing of Zhovhe Dam is a boon for her farm in Mazunga. "We are happy to see Zhovhe Dam spilling, especially after a year of battling the effects of the El Niño-induced drought. The situation had become dire for us, particularly as large-scale citrus producers and horticulturists. This significant water supply will allow us to resume full-scale production to meet client demands," she said.
Zinwa's head of corporate communications, Mrs. Marjorie Munyonga, emphasized the importance of vigilance for communities downstream of spilling dams. "Water levels in the country's major dams continue to rise due to ongoing rainfall, with the national dam level average increasing to 61.4 percent as of January 6, 2025. This marks a 2.17 percent rise since the beginning of the year," she said.
However, Mrs. Munyonga cautioned that despite these improvements, the current national average remains lower than the 78 percent recorded during the same period last year. She urged water consumers to use available resources sparingly and efficiently.
"Communities downstream of spilling dams should avoid crossing flooded rivers and ensure that all water abstraction equipment along river channels is removed or properly secured. All water use for purposes beyond primary needs, including summer crop irrigation, must comply with water abstraction agreements as stipulated by the law," she added.
In addition to Zhovhe and Silalabuhwa, other dams spilling across the country include Lungwala, Moza, Masholomoshe, Hama, Lower Zibagwe, Nyawa, and Tuli-Makwe, among others.
"Farmers and communities are encouraged to continue preparing for the agricultural season while adhering to safety precautions to mitigate risks associated with heavy rains and flooding," said Mrs. Munyonga.
Source - The Chronicle
