Ronald Mpofu
By Ronald Mpofu – [email protected]
A DEVASTATING dam wall collapse has struck Bulilima District in Matabeleland South, leaving villagers reeling in distress—despite the dam having been newly rebuilt in 2024.
Charlie Dam, located in Village 17, Nyabane, under Headman Sikhathini, suffered a catastrophic breach in the early hours of Monday, 17 February 2025. Although over 20 years old, the dam had only burst once before, in 2023, prompting villagers to fund repairs to its wall in 2024, given its vital role in the community.
The communities of Wards 1 and 17 are struggling to come to terms with the loss of Charlie Dam, their primary water source for livestock and wildlife. As Mpumelelo Somfula, a Ward 17 resident, explained, the dam supported over 3 000 cattle from various villages, and its collapse has shattered plans for a new irrigation scheme.
The disaster has sent shockwaves through the community, with villagers fearing that other dams could also give way due to the relentless heavy rains.
Of particular concern is Nunu Dam, a critical water reservoir for Ward 17 villagers, rebuilt in 2022 at a cost of over R270 000. With all dams in the area reaching full capacity, villagers are now racing against time to reinforce and maintain dam walls to prevent further catastrophes.
Bulilima District Development Coordinator, Mr Onisimo Togara, described the situation as a major setback for the community.
“It’s a huge blow to the communities who relied on the dam for farming. We are appealing to well-wishers to assist with rehabilitating the breached section so that villagers can continue benefiting from this vital water source. Assessments are underway to establish the total cost of the damage,” said Mr Togara.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter