The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) says the US$35 million allocated to the Gwayi-Shangani Dam under the national budget is not enough to complete the multi-million dollar project whose construction is at 36 percent, although it will enable them to cover a reasonable amount of the planned work for 2019.
The dam project whose estimated total cost is US$120 million is one of the major projects in the country whose pace has been staggering, owing to a number of economic challenges.
Zinwa acting corporate communications and marketing manager Mr Tsungirirai Shoriwa said the amount allocated for the project was welcome but was far from bringing the dam to completion.
“The project was allocated US$35 million and it is currently at 36 percent completion. The figure allocated will not take the dam to completion but is sufficient to cover considerable ground of the planned works for 2019,” he said.
Asked on the model for payment, Mr Shoriwa said the contractor was paid for work done after they were evaluated and certified.
He further said all permanent works on the dam wall were temporarily suspended on 10 November in anticipation of the 2018-2019 rainy season. This he said was done for the safety of the structure and also for the safety of the people working on the project.
Work on the dam wall will resume once river flows subside at the end of the rainy season. The dam wall is now at 2,5 metres above the ground level.
Mr Shoriwa said between now and the end of the rainy season, the contractor was working on the production of concrete aggregates, production of precast concrete units which would be embedded in the main concrete and the construction of the aggregates cooling shelter.
These works are in preparation for the resumption of work on the main structure and once these materials are ready and coupled with an automatic concrete batching machine on site, there will be seamless resumption of work and an accelerated construction pace.
Once completed, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam will be the country’s third largest water body after Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi that are all in Masvingo Province.
According to the national budget, execution of ongoing projects such as Marovanyati, Causeway and Gwayi-Shangani dams will be prioritised to ensure their possible completion during 2019, with a provision of US$55 million.
The Government will also facilitate ongoing works at Semwa Dam as well as project development activities and commencement of works for Kunzvi, Chivhu, Tuli Manyange, Dande, Silverstroom and Bindura dams, with an overall allocation of US$87,7 million.
Noting the number of existing idle water bodies in the country, a deliberate programme meant to maximise benefits from such investments, will also be undertaken. This will include the development of irrigation infrastructure, fisheries, and water conveyancing systems among others.
It was also noted that despite the positive strides Government has made in the development of water bodies, most dams remain idle after completion or are under-utilised to their full potential, as the requisite conveyancing and downstream infrastructure is still to be developed.
The Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) is also prioritising water and sanitation in the country and noted that city fathers must plan for growth in urban settlements by providing basic services and affordable housing for urban dwellers.
Bulawayo City Council on the other hand will prioritise water upgrades for Criterion, Rangemore, Cowdray Park as well as investments in pre-paid water meters.
