tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
NO water shall be released from dams for any individual or entity without a water abstraction agreement, according to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), as it steps up efforts to ensure sustainable, efficient and sound management of the country’s limited water resources.
The El Niño-induced below-normal rains have resulted in low water levels in the country’s dams and water bodies.
In a statement on Tuesday, Zinwa spokesperson Ms Marjorie Munyonga said farmers have turned to irrigation to sustain their summer crops, which has increased demand for water.
“Declines in water levels due to increased releases for irrigation have been noted in dams such as Tugwi-Mukosi, Manyuchi, Mazvikadei, Sebakwe, Manyame, Chivero and Osborne.
“As at February 22, 2024, at least 35 percent more water had been released from the dams for irrigation than in a normal rainy season, while the national dam level average had declined to 84,2 percent from 84,4 percent on February 14,2024,” she said.
“Dam level averages for Mashonaland East, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and the Midlands are currently below the average expected during this time of the year in a normal season.”
Only 51,1 percent of cities, towns, growth points, and rural service centres, she said, currently have sufficient raw water sources to last them for at least 21 months.
“A proportion of 10,9 percent of cities, towns, growth points and rural service centres are water insecure with their raw water supply dams holding water that can last them for less than 12 months. The proportion is expected to grow should the current drought conditions persist.
“Areas in that category include Chegutu, Mt Darwin, Figtree, Gwanda, Bulawayo and Mutoko.”
Zinwa is now advocating for the sustainable, efficient and sound management of the limited water resources.
“In the interest of food security and safeguarding compliant farmers and other raw water users, no water shall be released from the dams for any individual or entity without a water abstraction agreement, while Zinwa will intensify its monitoring capabilities to detect any illegal water use,” she said.
Online Reporter