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Mthabisi Tshuma, Sunday News Correspondent
THE construction of the Tuli-Manyange Dam in Gwanda is set to start this month, after the contractor has moved in and also heeded Government’s call to empower the local people by offering them jobs.
Sunday News understands China Water International Electric Co-operation, which was contracted to carry out the project has already recruited locals from Ntepe, Vela and Ntalale areas in Gwanda District.
The locals said they were elated by the latest development and hailed the Government for championing development in the area as well as recognising the need to empower youths by offering them employment.
Last year when Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga visited the area, he revealed how the construction of the dam will go a long way in improving access of clean water, improving irrigation facilities in the province, supplying water to neighbouring Botswana and also opening up of job opportunities.
In a visit to the site by this news crew last week, contractors were finishing up the clearing of the site that is now fully electrified.
They said the project is set to go full swing this month. People from the area said contractors have been going around homesteads offering jobs to the locals.
The Chinese contractors and people from Zinwa have been going around the communities telling the locals to come on site and apply for jobs.
“The jobs offered were for the construction of generator rooms, quarry crusher platforms and housing structures,” said Mr Norman Ngwenya from Vela area.
Construction of the state-of-the-art houses that workers would use have also been completed.
Ntepe local businesswoman, Ms Refiloe Dube praised the Government for ensuring the project kicks off.
“The pre-construction of the dam has elevated the status quo of the communities around and with a dam constructed for years, we hope the project will totally eradicate poverty in the area,” she said.
Spearheaded by Zinwa, the dam project which is being implemented will also service the Vela, Guyu Business Centre, Ntalale Business Centre, Chelesa Business Centre, Sizhubane Barracks, Manama Mission and Business Centre, Sebasa, Mankonkoni irrigation schemes, among others.
This year, the Government disbursed US$15 million towards construction of the dam.
The Government is spearheading construction of dams to promote irrigation and improve food security in the country.
@mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter