Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE construction of the Lake Gwayi-Shangani in Matabeleland North Province remains firmly on course, with the project at 75 percent completion level as the Government pushes to meet its 2026 completion deadline.
Progress has been registered in the massive water infrastructure project under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, which has committed itself to ensuring speedy implementation.
A critical component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project and long touted as a long-term solution to Bulawayo’s water supply challenges, Lake Gwayi-Shangani will become Zimbabwe’s third largest inland water body after Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi, which are both in Masvingo.
In line with transformative Vision 2030 targets and the President’s mantra: “leaving no one and no place behind”, the giant water project is being financed by Treasury and President Mnangagwa has directed that US$5 million installments be released per month to expedite ongoing works.
Upon its completion, the Lake Gwayi-Shangani is expected to unlock wider economic opportunities in tourism, hydro-power and irrigation farming value chains, among others.
Despite recent rainfall activity slowing down some components of the works, progress on site continues steadily, with key structures now taking shape, according to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa).
“While rainfall activity slowed down certain components of the construction work, the project remains on course to meet the target and deadline to have the dam completed in 2026,” Zinwa corporate communications manager, Mrs Majorie Munyonga, said.
“Current activities at the construction site include work on the powerhouse and the pump station.”
On Saturday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, told Zanu-PF Politburo and Central Committee members from the province that the monthly US$5million allocation to the project has been coming as expected, demonstrating that Government was committed to having the dam completed this year.
Addressing ZANU-PF members during a Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) extraordinary meeting held at the party’s provincial headquarters in Lupane, Minister Moyo who is also the party provincial chairperson, said the latest Treasury intervention reflects Government’s strong commitment to completing critical infrastructure projects.
“We are pleased that His Excellency, the President, in his vision and wisdom, has directed that US$5 million be allocated monthly towards the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam.
“This intervention will undoubtedly speed up the project and transform Matabeleland North into a green belt,” said Cde Moyo.
The meeting was graced by ZANU-PF Secretary General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, who challenged party leadership to take a proactive role in monitoring development projects.
Adv Mudenda said it was incumbent upon party structures to ensure that all Government programmes are implemented efficiently and deliver tangible benefits to communities.
“You must and should ensure that all Government projects are progressing well. It is your duty to make sure these projects are on course because the party supervises Government,” he said.
Once complete, the Gwayi-Shangani dam will provide a sustainable water supply to Bulawayo and surrounding areas, while also enabling large-scale irrigation schemes in Matabeleland North. The project is expected to unlock agricultural potential, create employment opportunities and stimulate industrial growth.
It also forms the backbone of the long-envisioned pipeline that will eventually draw water from the Zambezi River to supply the region, addressing decades-long water challenges.
Beyond the Lake Gwayi-Shangani, the Government is implementing several major projects aimed at transforming Matabeleland North into an economic hub.
The upgrading of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway remains a top priority, given its importance to tourism, trade and regional connectivity. The road links the country’s second-largest city to the world-renowned Victoria Falls and is critical for both domestic and international travel.
The addition of Units 7 and 8 at Hwange Thermal Power Station has significantly boosted the country’s electricity generation capacity, improving power supply for industries and households while strengthening Zimbabwe’s energy security.
Steady progress has been made in the construction of Lupane Provincial Hospital, which will improve access to healthcare services in the province. Construction of the hospital had false starts since 2004 before the Second Republic deliberately set aside funding for the hospital, which will be the first referral institution in the province. With a population of at least 700 000, the province has been using St Luke’s as the provincial hospital and at times patients were being referred to Bulawayo for medical care.
