Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza recently in Gwayi-Shangani
THE Government has increased its monthly funding allocation for the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam from US$5 million to US$8 million, injecting fresh momentum into the flagship project in Matabeleland North Province which is now 82 percent complete.
The US$3 million increase in monthly funding is expected to sustain the pace of construction and put the project on course for completion by the end of the year.
The dam is a key component of the Government’s long-term plan to address Bulawayo’s perennial water challenges while unlocking irrigation, energy and industrial development opportunities in Matabeleland.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) Engineer Gift Ziweya revealed the funding in-crease while briefing Zanu PF provincial leaders and Government officials during a joint Provincial
Development Committee (PDC) and Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting at the Gwayi-Shangani Dam site on Friday.
He said the additional funding had helped accelerate work on the dam, which has been identified as one of the Second Republic’s flagship infrastructure projects.
“The dam wall is now at 82 percent complete and we anticipate that construction of the dam will be complete by the end of the year as long as Government continues giving us the monthly allocation of US$8 million,” said Eng Ziweya.
“The funds were increased to US$8 million from US$5 million per month.”
The increase means the project is now receiving an additional US$3 million every month compared to the previous allocation, providing greater financial capacity to sustain construction activities.
Eng Ziweya said the project was progressing beyond the dam wall, with critical infrastructure required to convey and utilise the water also taking shape.
“In terms of power generation, the dam will generate 10MW of electricity while six pump stations are under construction to pump water to Bulawayo,” he said.
“A water treatment plant will be constructed in Cowdray Park while irrigation schemes will be
established along the 256-kilometre pipeline from the dam to Bulawayo.”
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is expected to play a critical role in addressing Bulawayo’s long-standing water shortages, particularly during drought years when the city’s existing supply dams come under severe pressure.
Its completion is also expected to transform agricultural production in Matabeleland North by supporting irrigation schemes along the pipeline corridor and creating opportunities for in-creased commercial farming.
The 10MW power generation component will further add to the project’s economic significance by contributing to the national electricity grid.
The funding boost comes as the Government under the Second Republic pushes to accelerate the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects under its broader development agenda, which dovetails with Vision 2030.
The joint PCC and PDC meeting provided an opportunity for provincial political and Government leaders to assess progress on the project and engage officials on development priorities affecting Matabeleland North.
The province is also benefiting from other major infrastructure interventions, including the re-habilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, rural electrification and irrigation development.
However, Lake Gwayi-Shangani is the most closely watched project because of its potential to address water insecurity while simultaneously opening new economic opportunities.
