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Theseus Shambare
The ongoing rehabilitation of St Boniface Dam has given the Magunje community in Mashonaland West province a lifeline.
The project is being spearheaded by Government – through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; and the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry – Catholic Relief Services (CRS), as well as the Caritas Diocese of Chinhoyi.
For Mr Renious Chademana, the dam, which was constructed in 1968, is a reminder of his childhood.
Due to lack of maintenance, there were fears the dam would be decommissioned.
“This dam was, and still is, our source of livelihood, but it is now leaking due to cracks on the wall,” Mr Chademana said.
“Because of the leakages, the dam quickly dries up, especially during the summer season.”
Last year, the dam dried up and people had to dig shallow wells for water.
In 2021, however, the community approached the church for assistance to rehabilitate the water body.
Speaking at the launch of the dam rehabilitation works recently, climate adaptation officer in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Hospitality Industry Dr Benjamin Mandevere said the climate change mitigation was critical to safeguard livelihoods.
“We have seen a reduction in rainfall activity, heatwaves, prolonged mid-season dry spells and extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, flooding and droughts,” he said.
“These are affecting livelihoods, well-being and food systems mostly in rural communities.
“Government, in partnership with development partners, has come up with a multiplicity of adaptation and mitigation measures.”
The resuscitation of the dam, expected to run for three years, is being implemented under CRS’ Zimbabwe Ecosystems Project.
Through the project, CRS, Caritas Diocese of Chinhoyi, Government and the local authority will rehabilitate St Boniface Dam, drill and equip two community boreholes, conduct trainings on smart agricultural practices, rehabilitate three boreholes and install solar equipment, among other initiatives.
The Zimbabwe Ecosystems Project is designed to increase the integration of natural resource management and conflict mitigation initiatives.
It also seeks to expand inclusive financial services.
Dam construction is considered key in enhancing the country’s capacity to support irrigation projects, climate-proof agriculture and supply potable water for domestic and industrial use.
Online Reporter