Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s water security outlook has markedly improved following sustained rainfall across most parts of the country, boosting national dam levels and easing longstanding concerns over urban water supply, irrigation capacity and food security.
As of 14 January 2026, average dam levels had climbed to 85,6 percent, a sharp increase from 63,8 percent recorded during the same period last year, placing the country in a far stronger position to meet both domestic and agricultural water needs.
In a communiqué, Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) head of corporate communications and marketing, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga, said the improved figures reflected the positive impact of the current rainy season and signalled a firmer national water security position. She said the outlook is expected to improve further as more rainfall is anticipated in the coming weeks, which will be critical in sustaining water supplies beyond the current season.
“The country’s water security position continues to register positive gains on account of the rains being received in most parts of the country. As of 14 January 2026, the national dam level average had risen to 85,6 percent compared to 63,8 percent recorded during the same week last year.
“The water security position is expected to further firm up as more rains are still being anticipated. This development places the country in better stead to meet the domestic water requirements for major cities and towns, as well as the irrigation needs for the impending winter cropping season,” said Mrs Munyonga.
ZINWA reported a significant increase in the number of dams that have filled up and are now spilling, underlining the extent of inflows received so far this season.
Among the dams currently spilling are Tugwi-Mukosi, Gwenoro, Mamina, Amapongokwe, Manyuchi, Silalabuhwa, Exchange, Pollards, Zhovhe, Muzhwi, Rusape and Nyamafufu. Mrs Munyonga said notable improvements had also been recorded in Bulawayo’s supply dams, which have historically faced acute water shortages.
“Notable gains have also been recorded for Bulawayo dams, which have so far accumulated 4,4 percent since the onset of the season, with a current average of 40,8 percent compared to 28,2 percent during the same period in 2025,” she said.
Across the country, several dams in the Gwayi, Runde, Mzingwane and Sanyati catchments are now at or near full capacity, strengthening prospects for irrigation, improved water supply and overall national food security.
Despite the positive developments, ZINWA urged communities to continue using water responsibly and to exercise caution around spilling dams and swollen rivers as the rainy season progresses.
Zimbabwe has thousands of dams, with an early database listing around 10 000 dams, including major ones such as Kariba and smaller farm dams, with ZINWA and AGRITEX managing and monitoring them.
