Zinwa board of directors dissolved

Harare Bureau
WATER, Environment and Climate Change Minister Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday dissolved the Zimbabwe National Water Authority board after expressing displeasure with their response to the flooding at Tokwe-Mukorsi Dam, which has put at risk the lives of over 60,000 people.
Minister Kasukuwere said this while presenting a ministerial statement on the flooding at Tokwe-Mukorsi in the National Assembly.
Engineer Daniel Mackenzie Ncube chaired the board, deputised by Mr Andy Mhanga. Other members were Eng Ian Mutunzi, Josephine Ncube, Mr Pitiel Mujuru, Elijah Mathe, Dr Beauty Basile, Mrs Francisca Zinyemba, Eng Vavarirai Choga and Eng Albert Muyambo (chief executive).

“I have . . . dissolved the Zinwa board forthwith and a new board will be announced soon. I want to assure honourable members here present and the nation at large that all systems have been activated to ensure that our infrastructure (dam wall) is secure,” he said.

In an interview afterwards, Minister Kasukuwere said the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Prince Mupazviriho, and other officials would run Zinwa’s affairs until a substantive board is appointed in the next two weeks.

“This board has allowed the situation to get to this stage and there was no reason for them to stay in office any day longer. We will be appointing hands-on people with the technical expertise in the new board,” he said.

The minister also said a team of five engineers had been appointed to conduct an independent assessment of the situation at Tokwe-Mukorsi Dam, while others from the University of Zimbabwe had volunteered to assist.

In his address to parliamentarians, Minister Kasukuwere said water levels rose dramatically on January 27 resulting in the floods.
“The flood on January 27 and over a 24-hour period, a 17,3m rise in water levels was experienced giving a water depth of 38,28m. By February 5 water levels stood at 672,5m giving a water depth of 56,6m which was already 12,5m above the maximum 44m anticipated depth.

“The total annual flow at the site from the 40-year records is 300 million cubic metres. To date (February 11) the flow through the site has been 800 million cubic metres over a two-week period,” he said.

Minister Kasukuwere said they had put measures in place to safeguard the dam wall.