Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has urged all raw water users to apply for and sign water abstraction agreements to ensure the sustainable use of the available water resources.
This comes as the country prepares for the 2025 winter wheat season, with 120 000 hectares expected to be put under crop.
This is expected to yield 600 000 tonnes, which requires efficient water allocation for farming and other competing uses.
Zinwa head for communication and marketing, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga, said improved water inflows in the Zambezi River were likely to have a positive impact on power generation and water-related activities.
“Improved water flows will certainly have a positive impact on water-related activities, including power generation and recreation,” she said.
“Water is agriculture’s second most strategic resource, coming only after land. It then follows that the link between water security and a successful winter cropping season cannot be overlooked.”
Mrs Munyonga said the national dam level average was 89,1 percent. Improved water flow will certainly have an effective impact on power generation and water should be used in a very sustainable manner.
“What is of paramount importance is to use the available water sustainably, hence Zinwa is appealing to all raw water users to apply for and sign water abstraction agreements, as required by the law,” she said.
“These agreements make it possible for Zinwa to efficiently allocate the available water among the ever-competing uses.”
Latest statistics show that most dams that supply water for irrigation are over 80 percent full, while a few are below 50 percent.
Zinwa cited dams such as Blockley in the Manyame Catchment, which is at 28,3 percent, Mazowe 36,8 percent, Lower Ncema in Mzingwane Catchment 29,4 percent and Mwenje within the Mazowe Catchment is 37,1 percent full.
Meanwhile, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo recently assured farmers of a stable power supply for the winter cropping season due to improved water inflows in the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, which has a positive impact on the region’s hydroelectric power generation.
Minister Moyo said with the increased water levels, the power supply would be sufficient to meet the needs of farmers during the winter cropping season and the development was expected to bring relief to farmers who rely heavily on electricity for irrigation and other farming activities.
“The improved water inflows at Victoria Falls is a welcome development for the agriculture sector, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy,” he said.
“By ensuring a stable power supply, the Government aims to support farmers in maximising their crop yields and productivity during the winter season.”
