NYASHA KUNYISWA
Water levels in the country’s major dams continue on a downward trend, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has said, urging users to use the available water sparingly.
“Most rivers are still to resume flowing while drawdowns by local authorities and farmers irrigating their early summer crop continue, explaining the depressed dam levels.
“As of December 20, 2021, the national dam level average stood at 77.3%, marking a 0.09% decline since December 13, 2021,” ZINWA’s corporate communications and marketing manager, Marjorie Munyonga told Business Times.
“Gwayi catchment had a dam level average of 57.9%, Manyame catchment 67.3%, Mazowe catchment 52.1%. Mzingwane catchment had 68.4%, Runde catchment 89.4%, Sanyati catchment 72.1% and Save catchment 60.4%.”
She added: “Slight upward movements have been recorded in dams such as Lower Ncema, Mbembeswane, Antelope and Wenimbi.”
Munyonga said most dams still have enough water to meet both domestic and early summer irrigation requirements, despite these depressed levels.
“Those drawing water from ZINWA managed dams for purposes of irrigation are encouraged to ensure that their water use is in terms of water abstraction agreements as required by the law. Gwayi catchment is usually used for irrigation and water supply with Khayi 98.7% average dam level and Tsongokwe recording lowest of 6.3%.”
The water levels, however, are expected to increase once the 2021/2 rain season is in full swing.
