Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
SIGNIFICANT progress has been made on the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project, where the main dam wall is now 79 percent complete with the contractor having mobilised 24-hour shift operations on site in an effort to meet the December deadline.
The multi-million-dollar project, a key component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), has gained momentum following consistent funding disbursements from Treasury. The Government has been releasing US$5 million monthly since August last year, which has accelerated construction of this massive water infrastructure.
Lake Gwayi-Shangani Dam project is a central pillar of President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and his guiding philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
Speaking during a tour of Lake Gwayi-Shangani by the Special Advisor to the President responsible for Monitoring the Implementation of Government Projects, Dr Jorum Gumbo on Thursday, Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) resident engineer for the project, Engineer Paul Dengu expressed confidence in meeting the December target.
He noted that the scope of works has expanded and now requires increased funding of up to US$8 million per month.
“We are 79 percent complete, and our target is to finish this by December. We have introduced 24-hour shifts and we believe we can meet our target,” he said.
“We have been receiving funding from the Ministry of Finance, US$5 million monthly since August last year. We hope to continue receiving this funding so that we can work towards completing the project.
“Although our work has expanded, we will need additional funding, possibly up to US$8 million, to complete all necessary activities before impounding the water in the dam,” said Eng Dengu.
Other components of the project are also progressing well. The pipeline and pump station number three are at 46 percent completion, while the power station is at 75 percent.
The remaining work involves the installation of electromechanical equipment, which is expected to commence next year and be completed in 2027.
Furthermore, ZINWA has moved onto site to begin construction of a water treatment plant in Cowdray Park.
“We have started work on the treatment plant in Cowdray Park. We established the site in May and are putting up boundaries and ensuring the site’s security — covering the contractor’s site and our pump station site,” said Eng Dengu.
“We are working on the design and we plan to conduct investigations on the foundations next month, in July, so that we can position all the components of the treatment plant.”
The water treatment plant will process more than 100 mega-litres per day and will be a critical component in delivering clean water to Bulawayo residents.
The tour by Dr Gumbo aimed to assess progress and ensure the project remains on track to deliver its transformative benefits to Matabeleland North Province and beyond.
“We had the opportunity to visit this long-standing project of vital importance to our country — the Gwayi-Shangani Dam. As you can see, a lot of work is now underway and only a few touches remain, provided there is urgent funding. The company hopes that the first stage of this project will be completed as soon as possible,” said Dr Gumbo.
He highlighted the far-reaching benefits of the project, including water supply, irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
“What is most important about this project is that it will benefit our people, ensuring water supply for some time to come. Additionally, a green belt will be established along the pipeline, enabling irrigation across the districts of Umguza, Lupane, Tsholotsho and Hwange, which will improve the livelihoods of our people,” said Dr Gumbo.
He also mentioned that the Government is addressing social impacts, including the resettlement of affected families.
Once completed, Lake Gwayi-Shangani will be Zimbabwe’s third-largest inland water body, with a planned holding capacity of 634.27 million cubic metres.
The project includes a 10MW mini-hydroelectric power station, a 252km pipeline with six booster stations and irrigation schemes covering 10 000 hectares for communities along the pipeline route.
It is expected to provide a reliable water supply to Bulawayo, generating 220 megalitres of water daily exceeding the city’s demand of 165 megalitres and effectively ending Bulawayo’s perennial water crisis.
Eng Dengu indicated that water harvesting could commence this year, subject to the completion of the pipeline and the resolution of resettlement issues.
Dr Gumbo praised the Second Republic’s commitment to the project, emphasising its contribution to national development.
“There will also be electricity generation. If you look at all the projects we visited today, they will impact the development of our country. We commend the Second Republic for its efforts,” he said.
