Published: 12 hours ago

Treasury has released more than US$101 million this year towards the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi dams, as the Government steps up efforts to end chronic water shortages in Bulawayo and Harare.

The disbursements follow a directive by President Mnangagwa earlier this year for Treasury to release US$5 million monthly to accelerate progress on the two flagship infrastructure projects. Both dams are central to the Second Republic's infrastructure development and water security agenda.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, a total of US$25.3 million has been channelled towards the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, while US$2.39 million has gone towards its pipeline. For Kunzvi Dam, Treasury disbursed US$73.56 million for construction and US$500 000 for the pipeline - bringing the total amount released for both projects to US$101.74 million.

Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said both projects were progressing steadily, with Gwayi-Shangani now 72.4 percent complete and Kunzvi 65 percent complete.

"Kunzvi Dam project is now at 65 percent completion," said Prof Ncube. "Excavation of the main dam is 95 percent complete, embankment placing is at 65 percent, and concrete works stand at 60 percent. During the year, US$73.56 million was disbursed towards the dam and US$500 000 towards the pipeline."

On Gwayi-Shangani, Prof Ncube noted: "The dam is now at 72.4 percent completion. Construction of the dam wall has reached a height of 45 metres at the left bank abutment, 39 metres at the right bank abutment, and 39 metres at the spillway section. To date, US$25.3 million has been availed for the dam and US$2.39 million for the pipeline."

Both dams are considered critical national projects, expected to transform water supply and support long-term urban growth, agriculture, and industry once completed.

In the 2025 National Budget, the Government allocated ZiG2 billion for dam construction across the country, with the Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi projects receiving the largest share.

The Gwayi-Shangani–Bulawayo Water Project includes the construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani, a 10MW mini-hydropower station, and a 252-kilometre pipeline linking the dam to Cowdray Park in Bulawayo. It also features a 220 megalitre-per-day water treatment plant and provisions for 10 000 hectares of irrigation schemes along the pipeline route to benefit surrounding communities.

Similarly, Kunzvi Dam will augment Harare's water supply while supporting 500 hectares of irrigation and serving nearby growth points and business centres such as Juru, Cross Musami, and Majuru in Goromonzi District.

The two projects also carry deep historical significance. The Gwayi-Shangani Dam and pipeline are part of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), first proposed in 1912, while Kunzvi Dam was initially scheduled for construction in 1996.

After decades of delay, both projects finally took off after 2018, symbolising a major step forward in Zimbabwe's drive to deliver long-overdue infrastructure that supports economic growth, rural development, and climate resilience.
- The Herald

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