New Zinwa water year begins

available water resources in the reservoirs to the benefit of all stakeholders.
The month of April marks the beginning of irrigation farming in Zimbabwe particularly for those involved in winter wheat production.
In terms of the Water Act the water authority is obliged to assist and participate in or advise (Government) on any matters pertaining to: the planning of the development, exploitation, protection and conservation of water resources. And to exploit, conserve and manage the water resources of Zimbabwe with the object of—
(i) Securing equitable accessibility and efficient allocation, distribution, use and development; and
(ii) Providing, in both the short and the long term, adequate water on a cost effective basis; and
(iii) Taking appropriate measures to minimise the impacts of droughts, floods or other hazards.
It is from the aforementioned mandate that ZINWA derives its power to plan and manage the water resources and fairly distribute it all.
To that end the water authority keeps a database of all water users, process applications for water permits and agreements and bills all consumers.
In terms of the Water Act all farmers who are into irrigation farming must register with the authority and state the quantities of water that they require for their operations. Abstraction of water without a permit or agreement with ZINWA is a criminal offence.
To that end the Water Act confers ZINWA with the consent of the minister powers to levy water consumers. These charges are for:
(a) The sale of raw or treated water from water works operated or controlled by the Authority; and
(b) The disposal of waste water; and
(c) The drilling of boreholes; and
(d) The provision of consultancy services.
The winter wheat cropping season is here. The importance of planning can never be over emphasised in an agro-based economy like Zimbabwe.
Winter farming is dependent on reliable irrigation infrastructure and sufficient water stocks.
ZINWA is responsible for both functions and therefore critical to the development of agriculture.
The authority’s capacity to deliver can only be enhanced by the cooperation of farmers in registering early and making their plans known to the authority’s catchment areas prior to the commencement of the season.
Zimbabwe’s winter wheat production has consistently dropped over the decade.
Many reasons have been proffered for the decline in production among them climate change and inadequate agricultural inputs.
However, all experts agree that the country has extensive irrigation infrastructure and water bodies capable to put 102 000ha of land under irrigation.
The success of winter wheat production can be further enhanced if all stakeholders play their part in making irrigation practical.
The country currently has more than adequate water stocks to support winter irrigation projects nationally according to our latest dam capacity figures.
Farmers interested in winter wheat production are called upon to observe the requirements of the Water Act.
They should register with their catchment areas; register the expected water quantities they need for the crop and pay the requisite levies with the water authority.
ZINWA is mandated by the Act to give water permits and agreements to farmers, control how much water they draw from water bodies in line with their permits.
The authority does this to promote equal access to all farmers to this important commodity.
ZINWA is confident that the country has enough water supplies to support irrigation farming this season.
This position is sustainable despite that the country rains came late after a prolonged dry spell in the middle of the summer.
The rains over the festive season, December 20, 2011 to January 3, 2012, have generally improved the dams’ capacities to a national average of 65,3 percent capacity full.
However, Runde catchment area that covers most of Masvingo province still has the lowest levels average of 44,2 percent capacity full.
The catchment area’s poor capacity has been greatly influenced by low levels in its two biggest dams Manjirinje and Mutirikwi which are 22,2 percent full and 40,3 percent full respectively.
The two dams are primarily responsible for irrigation in the arid province and water supplies to Masvingo city.
The national average means most towns in the country have enough water supplies for an average 11,7 months with the exception of Bulawayo and Marondera.
These urban areas have a critical 8,5 months and 5,3 months capacity supply at their worst case scenario. This is measured against the general 21 months supply rule capacity.
Let us all use are water responsibly and settle our bills. The catchment areas are available for your advice and registration as water users.