Vusumuzi Dube
Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
THE management of Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has denied claims that water supplies to the Silatshani Irrigation Scheme in Insiza, Matabeleland South province, were disconnected due to an outstanding bill.
Zinwa spokesperson Ms Marjorie Munyonga dismissed the allegations, calling them “unfortunate and unfounded”.
Complaints arose on Monday from plot holders, who alleged that their maize crops were withering prematurely after Zinwa cut off water supplies due to an estimated US$255,000 debt.
“We note with concern allegations and misinformation being passed around as a fact to the effect that Silatshani Irrigation Scheme was disconnected. In actual fact, reduction in water levels at the Silalatshana Dam, which provides water to the irrigation scheme, was the actual reason.
“Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme holds a valid water abstraction agreement entitling it to water allocation from Silalatshana Dam, supplied by Zinwa. However, the water abstraction agreement is approaching expiration and requires renewal,” Ms Munyonga clarified.
She further elaborated on the potential challenges in renewing the agreement, citing the critically low water levels in Silalatshana Dam.
The Zinwa spokesperson emphasised the dam’s significance in supplying water to Zinwa stations like Colleen Bawn, underscoring the priority given to human life during periods of water scarcity.
“As of December 4, 2023, the dam was 40.4 percent full, necessitating careful consideration by Zinwa in water allocation and the acceptance of new water abstraction agreements,” Ms Munyonga added.
Farmers had alleged that water supplies were severed the previous month, after Zinwa demanded that they pay US$300 each by the end of this month.
The Silatshani Irrigation Scheme accommodates 853 farmers, each holding a maximum of two hectares. Additionally, Silalatshana Dam serves as a water source for JZ Moyo High School, Colleen Bawn town, and Ekusileni Mission.
Online Reporter