Dam levels rising

Precious Manomano, Harare Bureau

MAJOR national dams now hold 61,4 percent of their capacity, a marginal but notable 2,17percent increase since January 6, on the back of rains being experienced across the country.

This still falls short of the 78 percent recorded on the same day last year, before a lot of irrigation water had to be used with little inflows after the severe drought.

Some dams are reaching capacity and beginning to spill, including Zhovhe, Lungwala, Moza, Tuli-Makwe, Masholomoshe, Silalabuhwa, Hama, Lower Zibagwe, Nyawa, Exchange and Ngwenya.

In a statement yesterday, Zinwa corporate communications manager, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga, said communities downstream of the spilling dams should be on high alert.

“Avoid crossing flooded rivers and ensure that all water abstraction equipment along river channels is removed or properly secured,”she said.

In light of the rising water levels, Zinwa has issued a reminder for responsible water use.

“All those drawing water from the dams for purposes other than primary needs, including summer crop irrigation, should ensure that their water use complies with water abstraction agreements in accordance with the law,” Mrs Munyonga emphasised.

Several dams are performing well, with statistics showing Pollards Dam at 93,9 percent, Khami Dam at 99,7 percent, Muzwi Dam at 94,2 percent and Tokwane Dam at 98,1 percent.

The Meteorological Services Department has reported a cloud band over the western and southern regions, leading to scattered thunderstorms, particularly in Masvingo, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and the southern parts of Manicaland and Midlands, extending into Harare Metropolitan.

Recent rainfall data highlights significant amounts, with 80mm recorded in Insiza, 47mm in Beitbridge, 43mm in West Nicholson, 37mm in Gweru, 36mm in Zvishavane, 35mm in Nyanga, 33mm in Kwekwe and 25mm in both Masvingo and Esigodini.

Looking ahead, today is expected to start off cloudy and mild, transitioning to scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.