Vusumuzi Dube
Despite recent rains received in different parts of the country, dam levels continue to decline, sparking concerns over water availability for the coming summer cropping season.
According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the national dam level average stood at 59.9 percent as of November 4, 2024 as most dams are on a declining trajectory.
The authority said this is consistent with the current high temperatures and the impact of irrigation water draw-downs during the recently concluded successful winter cropping season.
“The current rains have not yet made a significant impact on dam levels, with most dams still on a declining trajectory,” ZINWA said in a statement.
The authority has urged water users to exercise caution and use the available water sparingly. “We appeal to all water users to be mindful of the current dam levels and use water efficiently to ensure sustainability,” it said.
Furthermore, ZINWA reminded farmers intending to conduct early summer irrigation to obtain water abstraction agreements as required by law. “This will ensure that water is allocated equitably and used responsibly,” it added.
Dams which supply Zimbabwe’s second largest city Bulawayo with water have the lowest water levels with Mtshabezi now at 49.7 percent, Mzingwane left with only 2 percent water, Upper Ncema has 0.8 percent while Lower Ncema is 7.6 percent full.
For Harare, Chivero Dam, the main supply source for the city, still has 75.1 percent water, Manyame stands at 75.2 percent full, but Harava, which pumps water to Prince Edward Water Works in Chitungwiza, only has 3.1 percent water. The low dam levels come at a critical time, as Zimbabwe prepares for the summer cropping season.
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Bongani Ndlovu