Holy Cross Dam wall reconstruction complete

THE reconstruction of the Holy Cross Dam wall in the Midlands Province, which collapsed in 2007, has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the area’s water infrastructure development, as locals will now enjoy reliable water supplies.

The completion of this project is expected to have a positive impact on the community, improving water availability for households, agriculture, and other essential uses.

The dam, with a catchment area of 158 square kilometres, will service the Holy Cross Mission, local schools, hospitals, and business centre.

The water body will also create a verdant greenbelt benefiting local farming communities, stimulating various downstream economic activities, and fostering a sustainable and thriving economic ecosystem to support long-term development and growth in the district.

Mvuma district development co-ordinator, Mr Jorum Chimedza, confirmed the development in an interview.
“We are excited to note that the reconstruction of the Holy Cross Dam wall has been successful. This project was spearheaded by Zanu-PF Chirumhanzu legislator Cde Barbara Rwodzi, and we are grateful for what she has done for the community,” he said.

Mr Chimedza said the dam has been expanded and has an increased water-holding capacity. “The irrigation scheme has over 400 ha and will benefit locals. The reconstructed Holy Cross Dam has already yielded positive results as a healthy winter wheat crop is flourishing at the Holy Cross irrigation scheme,” he said.

“The villagers and the community at large are very excited about this development.” Mr Chimedza said the horticulture sector, which is a key focus area under the National Development Strategy (NDS1), is poised to drive development in the region, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goals and objectives, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth and transformation.

“Horticulture, one of the thrusts under the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) development projects, will push development in the area in line with Vision 2030. This is a very huge project that will also help improve communities’ water supply, sanitation, and hygiene and support communities’ health status,” he said.

Government has promoted more dam rehabilitation and construction as a solution to increased food production following successive poor harvests due to below-normal rainfall.

Currently, 12 large dams are under construction across the country, and the Government’s ultimate goal is to have about 350 000 hectares of land under irrigation by 2025.