Chronicle Editor
Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
MOST rural areas in Gwanda District are experiencing serious water challenges following the destruction of a number of dams by floods during the last rainy season.
Gwanda Rural District chairperson Councillor Johnson Mangwangwa said it was saddening that people are facing water shortages despite the good rains that were experienced earlier this year.
Clr Mangwangwa said floods destroyed dam walls and no repairs were done.
“The situation is not looking good at all. There’s virtually no water in the district despite receiving a lot of rain last season. Our livestock will perish due to thirst if a remedy is not found soon,” said Clr Mangwangwa.
He said the worst affected areas were in Gwanda South where the majority of the destroyed dams are situated.
“Villagers in this area are the worst affected as all the dams were washed away. Agricultural projects were also destroyed affecting the nutritional chain.
The biggest dam in the area Gungwe dam sustained about 15 villages and you can see for yourself the magnitude of the crisis,” he said.
Clr Mangwangwa said people were now relying on Tuli River which is about 15 kilometres away for water for their livestock.
“The distance exposes our livestock to cattle rustlers. We are appealing to the government and non – governmental organisations for assistance to repair the dams before the onset of the rains as all the runoff will go to waste,” said Clr Mangwangwa.
He said the community can provide labour in the event that they get materials to repair the dams.
“Labour is very abundant. Villagers are very eager to participate in the repair of the dams because they appreciate the magnitude of the crisis ahead of them,” said Clr Mangwangwa.
A technical report by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) released recently said about $500 000 was needed to repair all the destroyed dams in the district. -@richardmuponde
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter