New deadline for Lake Gwayi-Tshangani

Leonard Ncube, leonard.ncube@chronicle.co.zw

GOVERNMENT has expressed confidence that the 650-million-cubic-metre Lake Gwayi-Tshangani in Matabeleland North Province will be completed before the next rainy season after engineers gave assurance that the dam gates will be closed by October to begin water impoundment.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, has revealed that the dam is now 70 percent complete. The project is among the flagship infrastructure developments under the Second Republic, aligning with Vision 2030.

Lake Gwayi-Tshangani is a multi-faceted initiative, incorporating the construction of a dam wall, a mini-hydropower station, a 10-hectare irrigation scheme, and a 252km conveyance pipeline to Bulawayo. Its anticipated benefits include resolving Bulawayo’s persistent water challenges, establishing a greenbelt in Matabeleland North, and boosting national food security through the irrigation of 10 000 hectares.

The project is also expected to enhance the tourism sector and benefit Matabeleland South. Once the lake is operational, Bulawayo’s six current supply dams in Matabeleland South will be repurposed for irrigation, contributing to food security in the province.

Dr Masuka acknowledged that progress had been delayed due to resource constraints. However, the 2025 national budget has allocated ZiG3,1 billion to ensure the project’s completion.

“Construction of Lake Gwayi-Tshangani has been at a standstill because we have not been receiving resources. We are at 70 percent completion, and if funding is made available on time, we aim to finish by October or November this year, which will be in time for the 2025/2025 rainy season so we can begin to close the gates to impound water,” he said during a recent visit to Lubangwe, Hwange.

Dr Masuka, who was in Matabaleland North last week,said engineers advised against closing the dam wall during the current rainy season to avoid structural damage due to excessive water pressure.

Designed by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and constructed by China Water and Electric Corporation, the dam will hold up to 650 million cubic metres of water.

Located 6,5km from the confluence of the Gwayi and Tshangani rivers, the concrete gravity arch dam will serve multiple purposes, including permanent water supply for Bulawayo via a 252km pipeline feeding into a treatment plant in Cowdray Park, a 10-megawatt hydropower station, development of 10 000 hectares of irrigated farmland to create a greenbelt in Matabeleland North and rural industrialisation under the Presidential Rural Development Programme.

The pipeline will also feature offtakes for 200-hectare irrigation projects along its route, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities.

Dr Masuka said the project is critical in achieving Vision 2030 goals, as it will spur development in Binga and Hwange districts, while surrounding schools, clinics, and business centres will benefit from piped water. Irrigation schemes under the Vision 2030 Accelerator Model will make Matabeleland North food sufficient.

Once operational, Lake Gwayi-Tshangani will permanently address Bulawayo’s water challenges while transforming Matabeleland North into an agricultural and economic hub.

Dr Masuka said the Government has also taken measures to prevent flooding along the Gwayi River, ensuring the safety of infrastructure such as the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway.

“Where we are now is that if we get enough resources, we hope by October we will be able to close the dam wall to block water.

“This year we couldn’t close because engineers said there is too much rain hence closing might cause flooding and damage to the structure, but this coming season we will be able to close and start impounding water,” he said.

Dr Masuka said the project will create employment and development opportunities for local communities, making it a cornerstone of the Second Republic’s development agenda. — @ncubeleon

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