Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
The construction of Semwa Dam in Mashonaland Central Province — which was awarded National Project Status under the Second Republic’s infrastructure development agenda — has surpassed the halfway mark.
Contractors on site said the project, covering 4 500km² and with a full supply capacity of 260 000 mega litres, is now about 57 percent complete and is expected to be finalised within the next two years, if all goes according to plan.
Surveyor Mr Denver Chingwena said most of the major works had been completed, with only the filling of some sections still outstanding.
“Much of the work has been done and we are expecting to fully complete it within the next two years if everything goes according to plan.
“I am sure we are at 57 percent towards completion and what is left are the easier tasks.
“We have a solar plant here, which makes our work much easier because of localised power generation,” he said.
Rushinga District Ward 23 councillor Oscar Chimusoro commended the progress, saying the dam would improve livelihoods for villagers in his area and surrounding communities once complete.
He said residents from as far as Mt Darwin were also expected to benefit.
“More than 200 households are set to benefit from the construction of this dam. We are looking forward to having irrigation schemes, recreational activities and other job creation opportunities that come with this dam.
“We want to thank the Second Republic for availing funds for the completion of this dam,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said three more dams were currently under construction in the province — in Dande, Silverstroom and Bindura.
He said progress at Semwa Dam demonstrates that the Second Republic’s reforms are not merely policies on paper, “but are being translated into real actions and real benefits”.
“Mashonaland Central remains committed to building an enabling environment that supports sustainable development, empowers local entrepreneurs, attracts investment and ultimately improves the lives of all citizens in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2),” he said.
Minister Magomo reaffirmed the province’s commitment to working with key stakeholders to ensure sustainable development.
“In order to guarantee inclusivity of economic governance interventions and accountability of Government to the people in Mashonaland Central, my office — which is the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) — shall continue to ensure its mandate to monitor and evaluate the implementation of Government projects, including economic governance, devolution initiatives and service delivery outcomes, is well executed through the Whole-of-Government Approach,” he said.
Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the province recorded measurable progress in implementing development projects, job creation and contributing to national growth, the Minister said.
He noted that 267 infrastructure and utility projects were successfully implemented and commissioned across various sectors.
Under NDS2, Minister Magomo said his office will assign an officer to each thematic area to ensure transparent implementation of programmes and projects, while also encouraging stakeholder feedback.
