Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
THE deepening partnership between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom continues to gather momentum, with London reaffirming its commitment to working alongside Zimbabwe in building climate-resilient communities through strategic investments in water infrastructure, food security and sustainable rural development.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the recent commissioning of the reconstructed Wanezi Dam, Irrigation Scheme and Solarised Piped Water System in Insiza District, Matabeleland South province, where British Embassy development director and Deputy Ambassador, Dr Joanne Abbot, whose speech was delivered on her behalf by the
British Embassy’s head of strategy and engagement, Mr King Lartey, said the flagship project reflected the growing cooperation between Harare and London in addressing the escalating impacts of climate change while advancing shared development priorities.
Dr Abbot said the successful completion of the project demonstrated what could be achieved when Zimbabwe and its development partners combined expertise, resources and a shared commitment to improving livelihoods.
“Today is an important milestone for the community and for the partners who have worked tirelessly to make this achievement possible,” he said.
“The project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when commitment, expertise and shared purpose come together.”
Dr Abbot commended the Government of Zimbabwe for providing leadership throughout the implementation of the project, describing the collaboration as a practical partnership that extends beyond institutions to directly improve the lives of communities whose livelihoods depend on reliable water infrastructure.
“I wish to acknowledge the Government of Zimbabwe for its leadership and collaboration throughout the development of this project,” she said.
“The partnership we celebrate today is broad, but it is also deeply local. It encompasses national institutions, development partners, local authorities and, most importantly, the people whose livelihoods depend on resilient infrastructure and reliable water systems.”
The UK embassy official said the Wanezi project illustrated how Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom were working together to confront one of the defining challenges of the modern era — climate change — through investments that strengthen resilience, improve agricultural productivity and create sustainable economic opportunities.
She noted that Zimbabwe, like many countries across the world, was increasingly facing the harsh realities of climate change, characterised by prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather events, making investment in climate-resilient infrastructure more critical than ever.
“The climate is changing. Droughts are becoming more frequent, rainfall patterns are increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather events are more destructive. Water infrastructure designed for past conditions can no longer meet today’s needs,” said Dr Abbot.
“That is why climate-proofing is so essential. The dam has not only been rehabilitated, but it has also been strengthened to withstand these new climate pressures.
“This means farmers can depend on a reliable water source during dry spells, while communities are better protected against climate-related shocks.”
Dr Abbot said the Wanezi project would unlock year-round agricultural production while creating opportunities for agro-processing, value addition and improved household incomes, thereby strengthening rural economies.
She said the Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP) had been designed not only to strengthen climate adaptation but also to support commercially viable farming through business development and market-oriented interventions.
“Irrigation unlocks year-round agriculture, opens pathways to market-linked production and creates opportunities for agro-processing and value addition. But infrastructure alone is not enough.
“That is why CAWEP integrates business development and market-oriented support so that farmers can access finance, improve productivity and build commercially viable enterprises,” she said.
“The aim is not only to adapt to climate change, but to create jobs, generate income and ensure long-term sustainability.”
Dr Abbot said the project formed part of the United Kingdom’s broader international climate finance programme which supports vulnerable communities across the world in adapting to climate change while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
She applauded the Wanezi community, Government departments, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), local authorities, traditional leaders, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British Embassy team for their collective contribution towards the successful implementation of the project.
“On behalf of the United Kingdom, I reaffirm our dedication to working with the Zimbabwe Government to build a future where communities are empowered, resilient and thriving despite the challenges of climate change,” she said.
Dr Abbot said sustained collaboration between Harare and London would remain central to strengthening climate resilience, enhancing food security, stimulating inclusive rural economic growth and supporting Zimbabwe’s broader sustainable development agenda.
