Published: 2 hours ago

Residents of Harare, surrounding communities and local farmers are set to benefit from Kunzvi Dam by the end of this year, after the project reached a critical milestone with the closure of the Nyagui River on Saturday. The development paves the way for water impoundment, which will see the creation of a new lake northeast of the capital.

The riverbed closure ceremony, held at the dam site on the border of Goromonzi and Murehwa districts, was attended by senior Government officials, engineers from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), contractors and other stakeholders.

Makomo Engineering managing director, Engineer Jin Liangming, said the team will accelerate construction by introducing double shifts and working through weekends and holidays to ensure the dam is ready to store water before the onset of the rainy season. "Today we are celebrating the closure of Nyagui River. This means we have to complete this dam this year. Once we are impounding water, that would be a significant milestone. By the end of this year, Harare, residents and farmers will be able to use the water," he said.

Eng Jin explained that while some construction processes will extend into next year, water supply should begin by December. "The major point is that while we will finish this dam later, in the next three months we guarantee that the dam will be ready for use and safe to do so," he added.

Zinwa chief executive officer, Engineer Taurayi Maurikira, hailed the river closure as a key achievement. "This is a milestone. When you close a riverbed, it means the dam is technically finished and we can start enjoying the benefits," he said.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Chief Director for Water Resources and Irrigation Development, Engineer Tinayeshe Mutazu, described Kunzvi Dam as one of the Second Republic's signature projects under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). He said the project would bring relief to communities in Goromonzi, Murehwa and Harare, which has long battled with water shortages.

Construction of Kunzvi Dam is currently 65 percent complete, with the Government prioritising it alongside Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which is expected to address perennial water challenges in Bulawayo. Once completed, Kunzvi is expected to provide a lasting solution to Harare's growing demand for potable water, driven by rapid population growth.
- The Herald