Whitewaters Dam’s pumping upgrade project hits a snag

PLANS by the Gweru City Council (GCC) to upgrade the pumping capacity of Whitewaters Dam have hit a snag due to a lack of funding, further compounding the city’s long-standing water supply challenges.

The US$200 000 project, earmarked for funding through devolution funds, aims to restore the dam’s original design capacity of 4,8 megalitres per day, up from the current 1,8 megalitres. The dam supplies treated water to several suburbs, including Harben Park, Ridgemont, Athlone, Riverside, Northlea, and parts of Mtapa.

Critical institutions such as Wha Wha Medium Prison and Josiah Tongogara Airforce Base also rely on Whitewaters Dam for their water supply.

With the urban population of Gweru steadily increasing, the demand for potable water has risen considerably, exacerbating the need for infrastructure improvements. In response, the Second Republic has been spearheading national efforts to harness water resources for socio-economic development in alignment with Vision 2030.

As part of these efforts, the Government has committed US$10 billion towards the construction of new dams across the country, while US$700 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation of water treatment plants at 14 centres across the country.

In an interview, Gweru Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko acknowledged the pressing need to rehabilitate Whitewaters Dam but confirmed that the project is on hold due to financial constraints.

“There are indeed plans to rehabilitate Whitewaters Dam’s pumping capacity. However, the project is on hold due to funding constraints. The current pumping capacity stands at 1,8 megalitres per day, which falls short of the dam’s design capacity of 4,8 megalitres per day,” he said.

Clr Chivhoko said the local authority’s goal is to restore the dam’s full capacity to improve water supply to residents and key institutions.

He said the local authority remains committed to securing the necessary funds to resume the project.
“We are eagerly awaiting the release of devolution funds so that we can proceed with the rehabilitation work. Rest assured, we are dedicated to ensuring the dam operates at full capacity as soon as possible,” said Clr Chivhoko.

The prolonged water challenges have drawn concern from local stakeholders, with residents’ associations urging authorities to expedite solutions.

Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association director, Mr Conilius Selipiwe, said the upgrade of Whitewaters Dam is long overdue.

“We are encouraged by the council’s efforts to improve water supply. As a residents’ association, we urge the Gweru City Council to continue planning and implementing solutions. In return, we will work on educating residents about the importance of paying water bills to support these initiatives,” he said.

Mr Charles Mazorodze of the Gweru Residents Forum echoed similar sentiments, saying a reliable water supply is crucial for the city’s socio-economic development.

“The rehabilitation of Whitewaters Dam’s pumping capacity will be a game-changer for Gweru. Suburbs like Ridgemont Heights and Mtapa should have access to water consistently, and this project will be instrumental in achieving that,” he said.
Gweru residents have long grappled with erratic water supplies, prompting the local authority to implement water rationing schedules.

The city primarily relies on Gwenhoro Dam, which has faced capacity challenges in recent years due to recurrent droughts and siltation. Enhancing the pumping capacity of Whitewaters Dam is seen as a critical step towards augmenting the city’s water supply and reducing dependence on Gwenhoro Dam.