Gwayi-Shangani gets ZiG1bn boost

Sikhumbuzo Moyo-Bulawayo Bureau

CONSTRUCTION of Gwayi-Shangani Dam in Matabeleland North is expected to resume, thanks to a ZiG1 billion allocation in the 2025 national Budget. 

The State-funded project has reached 72 percent completion, but progress was impeded by limited fiscal space 

Treasury has allocated ZiG700 million for direct dam construction works, while the pipeline project to Bulawayo has been given ZiG282 million. 

In the 2025 national Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube prioritised investments in water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, recognising their importance in national progress. 

The focus this year has been on sustaining the ongoing works for dams and water supply schemes, including interventions under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme.

“In line with the Public Sector Investment Plan, the 2025 National Budget will prioritise dams nearing completion, such as Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi Dams and will encompass conveyancing infrastructure development to the respective cities of Bulawayo and Harare, which continue to face water supply challenges,” said Prof Ncube.

Commenting on the Budget allocation, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said it was exciting that works will now resume and hoped the project will be completed soon for it to start impacting livelihoods.

“We are excited that the minister allocated special funds for this life-changing project, which makes us confident that by the first or second quarter of 2025, construction work will have been wrapped up,” he said. 

“But it all depends on when these funds will be disbursed. Disbursement of the money is the most critical part.”

Minister Moyo said the attention given to the dam by the Second Republic was a clear testimony that President Mnangagwa is walking the talk on transforming livelihoods and fulfilling his promises.

In October, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) director for engineering and hydrological services Engineer Takudza Makwangudze told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development during a tour of the construction site that only US$48 million was needed to ensure completion of works next year.