TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
Government has pushed the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani dam in Hwange district, Matabeleland North Province to the first quarter of next year owing to foreign currency shortages, constant power cuts and delays in material supply.
The project was meant to be completed in December this year.
But, the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Province, Richard Moyo confirmed the delay.
“We are now finishing that project in the first quarter of next year. But, we are very happy with the progress so far,” Moyo said.
The development comes at a time when at least 2000 villagers in Lubimbi, Binga District, are worried over the pending evictions to pave way for the dam.
Moyo, however, said since the completion had been deferred farmers along the project belt can plant their crop.
“Since the dam is now set for completion next year our farmers can go ahead and prepare for planting. This also clears the air as anxiety was rife over what to do given that some farmers were given agricultural inputs, “he said.
Under the National Development Strategy 1, government is accelerating construction of dams with the inspection programme for all major dams in the country to assess risks to public safety, extent of water losses and siltation being strengthened.
Upon completion, Gwayi-Shangani Dam is set to be the third largest inland water body in the country after Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi.
Meanwhile speaking during Parliament on Monday Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister, Clemence Chiduwa, six contractors were selected to complete the dam.
“Already, we have selected six contractors who are already dealing with the pipeline as we complete the dam. This is a project that we started hearing about when we were still children.
“So, His Excellency should commission the completion of the whole project and opening water in Bulawayo next year. So, this is where we are and in terms of the implementation,” Chiduwa said.
The dam project is a major component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), which upon completion is expected to provide a permanent water solution for Bulawayo and Matabeleland region.
A 245km pipeline will be constructed to connect the water body to Bulawayo and this phase is expected to be complete by 2022. Government has since allocated $535m towards commencement of the pipeline
The Treasury has prioritised funding for the project with an allocation of ZWL$4.5bn to ensure speedy implementation.
