Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana recently in DETE
TREASURY has released US$5 million towards the construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani and will, going forward, channel similar installments to accelerate the project’s completion.
Monthly disbursements towards project were expected to expedite construction works and cover lost ground due to limited funds while unlocking economic gains from the giant water body.
Speaking at a recent stakeholders and inter-ministerial meeting for the Gwayi-Shangani project, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the completion of the mega project.
“We have been given US$5 million to meet construction costs. The project requires US$4 million every month and we are currently at 39 metres and need 22 more metres to reach full supply level,” said Dr Masuka.
“So, with this latest disbursement, our team will work on how they can progress with the project this year.”
He also said works on constructing a 10MW hydro power plant were at an advanced stage, with civil works at 44 percent completion.
However, work on the 252km pipeline, which is supposed to support the Vision 2030 Accelerator Model Irrigation, has been affected by lack of funding.
“Works on pump house number 1, 2 and 3 are in progress. Due to lack of funding, most of contractors have demobilised from their respective sites,” said the minister.
Dr Masuka said water was a key enabler in achieving food security hence through the adoption of the Infrastructure Development Project, Government was embarking on a water harnessing programme, which will deliver irrigation and portable water, fisheries and hydro-power generation to rural and urban communities.
The project is reportedly at 72 percent completion and is seen as the permanent solution to Bulawayo’s water woes.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo commended Government for prioritising the completion of Lake Gwayi-Shangani, seen as a milestone in the province.
“We are grateful that Treasury has released the funds that had resulted in works stalling and His Excellency President Mnangagwa for accelerating infrastructure development through devolution,” he said.
“Lake Gwayi-Shangani, a flagship project and a key component of Vision 2030, will not only supply portable water to Bulawayo but will also support irrigation community schemes along the pipeline path and generate 10MW of electricity.”
Gwayi-Shangani-Bulawayo Water Project comprises of construction of a dam wall, 10MW mini hydro power station, 252km pipeline with six booster stations from the dam to Cowdray Park in Bulawayo for the provision of portable water, 220ML/day Cowdray Park water treatment plant, 10 000ha of irrigation and the establishment of four 200ha irrigation schemes in districts along the pipeline at booster stations to support Vision 2030 accelerator schemes, commercial fisheries, re-organisation of affected households, and development of an integrated master plan, tourism and recreational activities are also part of the master plan.
Government has since completed the Tugwi Mukosi Combination Masterplan in Masvingo Province and is the process of developing Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi Combination masterplans.
Giving an update report on the progress made on the project, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Engineer Amos Marawa said the dam construction remained at 70.9 percent completion emphasising that there was need to accelerate construction in order to impound water during the 2025/26 rainy season.
“The height of the wall is 39 metres out of 72m and there is need to construct more to start impounding water during this coming rainy season.
“To complete the 22m, Treasury had committed to disburse US$4m per month, which translates to 2m increase on the dam wall each month,” he said.
Eng Marawa said valuation of properties for reorganisation was complete with an estimated total value of about US$2 million in 27 villages with a total of 734 households, five properties at Lubimbi Business Centre with eight institutional centres among the affected.
The construction of houses and reorganisation process is now awaiting disbursement of funds from Treasury.
The settlement will be equipped with all requisite infrastructure and social amenities including reliable portable water, electrification for residential and communal use as well as a comprehensive sewer reticulation system.
