12 new dams to boost water supply

Tanaka Mahanya

ZIMBABWE National Water Authority (ZINWA) chief executive, Taurai Maurukira, has said the construction of 12 dams countrywide will ensure that they can provide sufficient water.

Chivhu Dam is set to be commissioned next week.

“The country is constructing 12 mega dams, all meant to ensure that we have adequate water, without leaving any place behind.

“Our duty is to provide sufficient water for drinking for all urban areas and the rural communities and, at the same time, provide water for irrigation to ensure food security.

“In that regard, we are constructing or superintending over the construction of 12 dams, which include Gwayi-Shangani, Kunzvi, Mbada, and Chivhu Dam, which is due to be commissioned on the 15th of this month.”

He said the projects were being carried out mostly by local companies.

“We used to hire foreign companies, which wanted to be paid in foreign currency.

“As we speak, most of our projects are now being done by locals, and they are paid through our own local resources.

“This is how we are able to do that huge number of projects,” he said.