Gwayi-Shangani Dam project to miss deadline again

The long-anticipated Gwayi-Shangani Dam project, a cornerstone of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project aimed at resolving Bulawayo's chronic water shortages, requires an additional US$84 million to reach completion, but the original December 2025 deadline appears increasingly unattainable, Parliament heard this week.

The dam, which is set to supply 220 megalitres of water daily to Bulawayo-significantly surpassing the city's current demand of 165 megalitres-has encountered numerous setbacks and repeatedly missed deadlines, according to a report tabled before Parliament by the Portfolio Committee on Local Government and the thematic committee on Sustainable Development Goals, chaired by Chief Siansali.

"The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is expected to supply 220 megalitres of water daily to Bulawayo, far exceeding the city's current 165 megalitre daily demand, making it a gamechanger in addressing Bulawayo's water crisis," the report stated.

However, the committees noted that US$84 million is still needed to complete the dam wall, and a further 18 months will be required to finalise the entire project, assuming that all conditions remain stable.

While the project promises substantial benefits for Bulawayo and the Matabeleland North region, it also poses significant social challenges. Communities in Binga and Hwange districts are slated for displacement, prompting the committees to stress the urgent need for thorough planning, resettlement strategies, and fair compensation to mitigate adverse impacts.

The Gwayi-Shangani Dam has a long history, with the idea first proposed as far back as 1912 during the colonial era. Since then, the project has suffered repeated delays, initially scheduled for completion in December 2023, then postponed to December 2024, and later to December 2025. The latest parliamentary report now indicates the timeline must be extended by at least another 18 months.

The national budget for 2025 allocated ZiG1 billion to the project, with ZiG700 million earmarked for dam construction and ZiG282 million for the pipeline infrastructure linking the dam to Bulawayo. Despite this funding, the shortfall highlights ongoing financial challenges.

The Gwayi-Shangani project includes a 252-kilometre pipeline to Bulawayo and a 122-kilometre pipeline drawing water from the Zambezi River. Beyond water supply, the dam is designed to support irrigation for up to 10,000 hectares of farmland and to facilitate fish farming in the region. A 10-megawatt hydroelectric power station planned at the dam site will also contribute to boosting energy supply.

Authorities have emphasized that the dam is a vital component of broader efforts to enhance water security and drive economic development across Matabeleland, a region that has long struggled with drought and resource shortages.

While the project's completion timeline faces uncertainty, its potential to transform the livelihoods of millions in Bulawayo and beyond remains undisputed. Careful management of social and environmental impacts will be crucial as Zimbabwe pushes forward with this critical infrastructure development.