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Farirai Machivenyika, Senior Reporter
Efforts by the Government to address greater Harare’s water woes have begun following the release of US$2,4 million for the project.
The first phase of the construction of the 26km pipeline drawing water from Muchekeranwa Dam to Wenimbi Dam for onward conveyancing to Harare Metropolitan has begun, while the construction of Kunzvi Dam north east of Harare is on course.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority chief engineer Felix Chibanda expressed confidence that Kunzvi Dam will be completed by the end of next year.
This came out during last Friday’s tour of the two sites by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, chaired by Nyanga South legislator Cde Supa Mandiwanzira.
Zinwa’s water services manager, Engineer Farai Manzira, said excavation for the Muchekeranwa to Wenimbi pipeline would begin soon.
“So far we have received US$2,4 million which will be enough for 4km and excavation will start when the pipes arrive from South Africa,” he said.
The 26km pipeline will draw 30 megalitres from Muchekeranwa Dam to Wenimbi Dam and will be pumped further to Prince Edward water treatment plant on the border between Harare and Chitungwiza. The twin small dams supplying Prince Edward treatment plant, Harava and Seke, normally run dry before the upper Manyame River starts flowing in the next season
Prince Edward is likely to be shut down at the end of next month due to lack of raw water from the two dams.
The 26km pipeline will cost US$19,1 million and Eng Manzira said the project would be completed in seven months, if funds were released timeously.
At Kunzvi Dam site, Eng Chibanda said the Government had been providing funding on time.
“We are satisfied with the support we have been getting from Treasury and I am confident that we will complete the project by the end of next year,” he said.
Apart from the dam, a treatment plant would be constructed that will add over 230 mega litres of water supply to Harare with most going to eastern Harare Metropolitan, which includes Chitungwiza and Ruwa.
Apart from supplying water to Harare, the two projects would have some irrigation and would be able to supply water for industries in surrounding rural communities in line with Government’s policy of inclusive development that leaves no one behind.
Muchekeranwa Dam is located at the boundary of Mashonaland East and Manicaland near Marondera, while Kunzvi is in Mashonaland East at the border of Goromonzi and Murehwa districts.
Cde Mandiwanzira hailed the Government for its support towards provision of clean potable water.
“We want to thank the Government for its efforts in the provision of clean water. Our appeal is just for Treasury to release funding on time to ensure completion of the projects,” he said.
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