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US$5m monthly for Gwayi-Shangani project
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The Zimbabwean government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the long-delayed Gwayi-Shangani Dam, declaring the project a national priority. Cabinet has resolved to allocate US$5 million every month to accelerate the dam's finalisation, underscoring its critical role in ensuring water security and economic development.
Speaking during a recent site visit, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka confirmed that the government is now prioritising the completion of the reservoir, pump stations, and associated hydro-infrastructure.
"Cabinet directed that US$5 million be allocated monthly to Gwayi-Shangani. This covers core construction work and support for families impacted by the development," Minister Masuka said.
He noted that the funding will also cover resettlement and compensation for families displaced by the dam's construction.
"The project has made notable strides, especially on the hydropower plant and pumping infrastructure. It is a priority which President Emmerson Mnangagwa is closely monitoring," Masuka added.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam forms a key component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project and is expected to catalyse development in critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and water services. It is especially important for Bulawayo, a city long grappling with chronic water shortages.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo welcomed the Cabinet decision, describing the dam as transformative infrastructure for the region.
"As Matabeleland North, we are encouraged by this commitment. Gwayi-Shangani is more than a dam — it's a life-changing project that will bring irrigation, boost food security, attract investment and resolve water woes in Bulawayo," Minister Moyo said.
Once complete, the dam will be a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's broader water delivery and climate resilience strategy. It will support the creation of a greenbelt extending from the Gwayi area to Bulawayo, enabling irrigation schemes that can transform agriculture into a year-round economic driver for the region.
As Zimbabwe advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam stands as a flagship example of how targeted infrastructure investment can foster inclusive and sustainable growth across provinces.
Speaking during a recent site visit, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka confirmed that the government is now prioritising the completion of the reservoir, pump stations, and associated hydro-infrastructure.
"Cabinet directed that US$5 million be allocated monthly to Gwayi-Shangani. This covers core construction work and support for families impacted by the development," Minister Masuka said.
He noted that the funding will also cover resettlement and compensation for families displaced by the dam's construction.
"The project has made notable strides, especially on the hydropower plant and pumping infrastructure. It is a priority which President Emmerson Mnangagwa is closely monitoring," Masuka added.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam forms a key component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project and is expected to catalyse development in critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and water services. It is especially important for Bulawayo, a city long grappling with chronic water shortages.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo welcomed the Cabinet decision, describing the dam as transformative infrastructure for the region.
"As Matabeleland North, we are encouraged by this commitment. Gwayi-Shangani is more than a dam — it's a life-changing project that will bring irrigation, boost food security, attract investment and resolve water woes in Bulawayo," Minister Moyo said.
Once complete, the dam will be a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's broader water delivery and climate resilience strategy. It will support the creation of a greenbelt extending from the Gwayi area to Bulawayo, enabling irrigation schemes that can transform agriculture into a year-round economic driver for the region.
As Zimbabwe advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam stands as a flagship example of how targeted infrastructure investment can foster inclusive and sustainable growth across provinces.
Source - Southern Eye
