THE construction of Semwa Dam in Mashonaland Central is bringing renewed hope to communities in Rushinga and Mt Darwin which have long struggled with persistent droughts, erratic rainfall and low agricultural yields. The long-awaited project, mooted in the early 2000s, had stalled for years due to lack of funding and logistical challenges. In an interview with the media recently at the dam site, assistant resident engineer Francis Dzenga said construction was progressing well.
“This dam will be able to contain 260 000 megalitres of water. Apart from supplying potable water, it will also support irrigation both upstream and downstream,” Dzenga said. “When complete, Semwa Dam is expected to power agricultural development, improve access to clean water, support fisheries and open new opportunities for tourism and small-scale industries in the region.
“More importantly, it will transform Rushinga and Mt Darwin from drought-stricken districts to hubs of agricultural productivity and self-reliance, a clear testament to government’s commitment to inclusive rural development.” For many locals, Semwa Dam represents not only a source of water but also a promise of economic revival. The Ruya River, which runs through the project site, is currently dry, a stark reminder of water scarcity in the region. Boreholes have been drying up due to a declining water table, leaving villagers to rely on unsafe water sources during long dry spells.
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Villagers like Kurai Mudimu recall many years of anticipation before construction began. “From around 2004, we were told there would be a dam to be constructed, but nothing much was happening; it was all talk. In 2018, that is when we started seeing real work being done,” Mudimu said.
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