Government reaffirms funding for Tuli‑Manyange Dam

THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to financing the construction of the Tuli-Manyange Dam in Matabeleland South, as well as completing Lake Gwayi-Shangani in Matabeleland North, underscoring that infrastructure development remains central to driving economic transformation.

The Tuli Manyange Dam, situated along the Tuli River in Matabeleland South, is designed as a large capacity earth dam intended to provide water for irrigation, domestic consumption and industrial use. It will also support irrigation on more than 5 000 hectares of land — an acreage comparable to that set to benefit from the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project.

Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, told delegates at the recent 2026 Annual Convention of the Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), held under the Zimbabwe West union Conference chapter at Solusi University that infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of Government priorities.

He stressed that authorities will continue to push for the timely implementation of such projects, which play a vital role in improving the ease of doing business and expanding national productive capacity.

“Investments in power generation, roads, water sources, banks and airports are strengthening the productive capacity of the economy and improving the environment for doing business. In Matabeleland South Province, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, is aware that we still have the Tuli-Manyange Dam project. We are returning to it. We have a programme in place.

“Our immediate priority was to complete the Gwayi Shangani Dam, and we are making steady progress. Once that is completed, we will begin work on Tuli-Manyange. While we are there, we would also like to declare the area around Antelope Dam a Special Economic Zone,” said Prof Ncube.

Prof Ncube emphasised that, in line with Vision 2030, the national development agenda remains clear and requires commitment, discipline and focused effort from citizens across all sectors.