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Tinomuda Chakanyuka, Senior Reporter
THE national dam level average remains above the expected national average of 60,1 percent, despite insignificant inflows having been recorded so far this rainy season, statistics show.
According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) national dam level average stood at 65,5 percent as at 2 January this year marking a 0,09 drop from 29 December, 2017.
During the same period last year the national dam level average was at 45,8 percent.
Acting Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Mr Tsungirirai Shoriwa said most dams had adequate water to last until the next run off.
“While no significant changes have been recorded in the dam levels, most of the dams have sufficient water to meet the urban and irrigation water requirements,” he said.
The highest average national dam water level to be recorded in the country was 100 percent in 2000, followed by 98 percent in 2001.
Data shows that Manyame Catchment has the highest dam level average at 88,7 percent, followed by Mazowe Catchment at 86,7 percent and Umzingwane Catchment at 82,6 percent.
Save Catchment’s dam level average is at 76 percent, Sanyati 78 percent, Gwayi 67,4 percent and Runde 54,8 percent.
Mr Shoriwa said while most dams had enough water to last until the next run-off, the water authority continues to encourage people to use water sparingly.
“Zinwa reiterates that water is a finite resource hence there is a need for users to use it very sparingly and efficiently.
“All water users intending to draw water for non-primary purposes from Zinwa managed dams are advised to approach their respective Zinwa Catchment offices and sign water abstraction agreements as required by law.
“Any use outside the law constitutes a criminal offence under the Water Act,” he said.
Meanwhile, placement of the concrete slab on the river bed as part of construction work on the Gwayi-Shangani Dam has been disrupted by rains and the consequent river flows.
The water authority, however, said construction work remained on course.
In a statement, Zinwa said work on the Gwayi-Shangani Dam had now been redirected towards the outlet works, the making of precast units to be used on the dam and crushing of rocks for concrete.
The water authority placement of concrete on the river bed, which is now at 80 percent complete, would resume when the river flows subside.
Placement of the concrete slab on the river bed started on 20 October with the initial target being to complete the exercise before the onset of the rains.
With the rains having started the water authority has had to revise its target.
Construction work at Gwayi-Shangani Dam had stalled in 2013 owing to financial challenges.
Work, however, resumed in July this year after Treasury released funds for the payment of the contractor’s arrears and the resumption work. China International Water and Electric Corporation is the contractor at Gwayi-Shangani Dam.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam will have a capacity of 635 million cubic metres of water and will enhance irrigation in Matabeleland North.
Upon completion, Gwayi-Shangani will become the country’s third largest inland water body after Tokwe-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi.
With a capacity of 635 million cubic metres of water, Gwayi-Shangani dam is expected to unlock critical socio-economic development for Matabeleland North Province through the supply of irrigation water for surrounding communities.-@irielyan
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