DAM WATER LEVELS DECLINE

Talent Gore

THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has warned that declining water levels in major dams countrywide, brought on by a current dry spell and increased demand for irrigation, may result in a critical water security situation for the country.

Demand for irrigation water has risen as a significant number of farmers resort to irrigation to sustain their summer crop. 

ZINWA has appealed to all individuals and entities intending to draw water from national dams for the winter cropping season to apply for, or to renew their water abstraction agreements as required by the law.

Fines will be imposed on anyone found to be illegally using water. 

ZINWA spokesperson, Marjorie Munyonga, said at least 35 percent more water had been released from the dams for irrigation than in a normal rainy season

“Due to the current dry spell, water levels in major dams have started declining as demand for irrigation water has been picking up as a significant number of farmers are resorting to irrigation to sustain their summer crop,” she said.

“As at February 22, at least 35 percent more water had been released from the dams for irrigation than in a normal rainy season, while the national dam level average had declined to 84.2 percent from 84. 4 percent on February 14, 2024.

“Dam level averages for Mashonaland East, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and the Midlands are currently below the average expected during this time of the year in a normal season,” she said.

Munyonga said the decline in water levels due to increased releases for irrigation have been noted in dams such as Tugwi-Mukosi, Manyuchi, Mazvikadei, Sebakwe, Manyame, Chivero and Osborne.