Online Reporter
THE Government is committed to ensure that Gwayi-Shangani Lake, which is expected to end Bulawayo’s water woes and establish a transformative green belt in Matabeleland province, is completed, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Speaking during a tour of the project on Friday, Dr Muswere said the dam, which he described as an “engineering marvel”, will have a positive impact on many sectors of the economy.
“This dam will provide many benefits. It looks at water for irrigation, tourism, domestic and commercial use, and many other uses. The most important thing is the Government’s commitment to ensure this project is delivered to Zimbabweans,” he said.
“This is an engineering marvel, given the fact that this dam was mooted in 1912, but from the time it was mooted, no brick has been laid within this confluence of both Gwayi and Shangani rivers. But not only is this a success story, but one of the milestone achievements that has been registered under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. In terms of the framework that has been provided, the dam on its own becomes central to integrating civilisation in terms of economy, in that the dam will provide the industry with water as well and also for domestic utilisation.”
Minister Muswere said the country was poised to immensely benefit from the project.
“Part of this water will also be pumped to Bulawayo and also ease the challenges in terms of the water problems that Bulawayo Metropolitan province has experienced before and now.
“But, at the same time, the support in terms of agriculture that this dam is going to provide, and also hydro power generation; that is part of an integrated programme in terms of the current discourse, that each and every dam should also support tourism, should also support clean water for domestic utilisation, should also be able to generate power and also support many other activities along the dam. Yes, there will be a number of pump stations to push the water all the way to Bulawayo Metropolitan province, but also the irrigation facilities are clearly defined as we are moving away from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation.”
The Government is presently releasing US$5 million every month to ensure its completion.
In addition to creating a green belt in the province, it will also generate 10 megawatts and resolve Bulawayo’s perennial water challenges.
Assistant resident engineer at the site Tinevimbo Musingarimi says they hope to complete the project this year.
“We are now at a critical stage. Currently, we are progressing well. If everything proceeds as planned, we will complete this project this year,” she said.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said the project was a manifestation of President Mnangagwa’s “visionary leadership”.
“As Matabeleland North province, we want to thank President Mnangagwa; this is all part of his visionary leadership,” he said. – ZBC/Sunday Mail Reporter
