admin
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
WIDESPREAD rainfall received in larger parts of Manicaland has boosted dam levels that were in a continuous decline, with authorities issuing a flood alert to communities downstream of major water reservoirs in the province.
The national average stood at 80,9 percent, while the provincial average is 72, 6 percent.
Since the inception of the rainy season in October, Manicaland has been receiving torrential rains that has seen the province’s water supply system on an upward spiral every week.
During times of excess water flow, dams store water in the reservoir which will then be released during times of low flow or when natural flows are inadequate to meet water demand.
They are also an important source of water supply for various means including domestic use, irrigation purposes and also for industrial uses.
Some big dams like Osborne Dam, which is the largest inland water reservoir in Manicaland, also provide recreational facilities for fishing and boating.
The weekly dam levels report issued by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) indicated that most of the dams under the Save Catchment which covers Manicaland, were above 90 percent, with some likely to reach 100 percent by today (Friday).
ZINWA spokesperson, Mr Tsungirirai Shoriwa said Bangazaan Dam was 100,1 percent full, Mhakwe 99, 2 percent, Muchekeranwa 94 percent, Marovanyati 72, 9 percent, Odzani 97, 4 percent, Ruti 59, 6 percent, Rusape 98 percent, Zimunya 82, 9 percent, Nerutanga 100, 6 percent and Smallbridge 79, 1 percent.
Osborne Dam is at 75 percent full. This presents a notable improvement from the same time last year where no dams had attained full capacity.
Mr Shoriwa said floodgates at Rusape Dam could be opened if it reaches full capacity.
“Rusape Dam is now 98,3 percent full as of today (Wednesday) and may fill up and start spilling in the next two days in the event of the current inflows being maintained.
“Communities downstream of the dam are therefore advised to be on high alert and to desist from crossing flooded rivers. Any equipment along the river channel should be removed or adequately secured. The same advice also applies to those downstream of Wenimbi Dam, which is now full and may start spilling any time,” said Mr Shoriwa.
He also cautioned residents and farmers to continue utilising water sparingly although recent rainfall has thrown a lifeline at the catchments.
He urged water users to be prudent in the way they utilise the available water since the province was not out of the woods yet.
Mr Shoriwa said the improvements in the dam levels point to better raw water security for the country’s urban areas and improved water security for the 2023 winter cropping season.
The improvements in the dam levels point to better raw water security for the country’s urban areas and improved water security for the next winter cropping season.
Mr Shoriwa said raw water users drawing water from ZINWA managed dams are advised to ensure that such use is in terms of water abstraction agreements as specified in the Water Act.
Online Reporter