Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, Zimpapers Writer
TREASURY has disbursed over US$101 million this year towards the construction of Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi dams, as the Government accelerates work on the two flagship infrastructure projects expected to end chronic water shortages in Bulawayo and Harare.
The disbursements follow a directive by President Mnangagwa earlier this year for Treasury to release US$5 million monthly to fast-track progress on the two strategic projects, which are among the key deliverables under the Second Republic’s infrastructure development agenda.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, a total of US$25,3 million has so far been channelled towards the Lake Gwayi-Shangani, while US$23,9 million has gone towards the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani pipeline.
For Kunzvi Dam, Treasury has released US$73,56 million for construction and an additional US$500 000 for the associated pipeline, bringing the total amount disbursed for both projects to US$101,74 million.
Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said both projects have registered steady progress, with Lake Gwayi-Shangani now 72,4 percent complete and Kunzvi Dam 65 percent complete.
“Kunzvi Dam project is now at 65 percent completion,” said Prof Ncube.
“Excavation of the main dam is 95 percent complete, embankment placing is at 65 percent, and concrete works stand at 60 percent. During the year, US$73,56 million was disbursed towards the dam and US$500 000 towards the pipeline.”
On the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project, he added: “The dam is now at 72,4 percent completion. Construction of the dam wall has reached a height of 45 metres at the left bank abutment, 39 metres at the right bank abutment, and 39 metres at the spillway section.
To date, US$25,3 million has been availed for the dam and US$2,39 million for the pipeline.”
Both dams are regarded as critical national projects expected to transform water security in Zimbabwe’s two largest cities once completed.
In the 2025 National Budget, the Government allocated ZiG2 billion for dam construction countrywide, with Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi receiving the largest share.
The Gwayi-Shangani–Bulawayo Water Project includes construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani, a 10MW mini-hydropower station and a 252-kilometre pipeline with six booster stations linking the dam to Cowdray Park in Bulawayo.
The project also incorporates a 220 megalitre-per-day water treatment plant and provision for 10 000 hectares of irrigation schemes along the pipeline route to benefit surrounding communities.
Similarly, Kunzvi Dam will not only augment Harare’s water supply but also support irrigation on at least 500 hectares of land and serve surrounding growth points and business centres such as Juru, Cross Musami and Majuru in Goromonzi District.
The two projects carry historical significance.
The Lake Gwayi-Shangani and pipeline form part of the long-awaited National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), first proposed in 1912, while the Kunzvi Dam was initially scheduled for construction in 1996.
Both projects finally took off after 2018, marking a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s push to deliver long-delayed infrastructure that supports economic growth, rural development and climate resilience.
