Lake Gwayi-Shangani project enters intensive new phase

Mashudu Netsianda recently in GWAYICONSTRUCTION at the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project has entered an intensive new phase with contractors initiating round-the-clock operations following a crucial release of Government funding.The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), the lead agency for the initiative, confirmed that a 24-hour work schedule will commence tomorrow to accelerate completion of the multi-purpose dam, a cornerstone of the broader National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP).Treasury has already released US$5 million towards the dam’s construction and has committed to disbursing the same amount monthly until the project is finished. This consistent funding ensures uninterrupted progress.Once completed, Lake Gwayi-Shangani, located in Hwange District, will be Zimbabwe’s third-largest inland water body, after Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi, both found in Masvingo.The project, which had previously faced delays due to financial constraints, is poised to deliver a reliable water supply to Bulawayo. Beyond that, it will also support irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, significantly boosting regional development.As an integral part of the NMZWP, the dam will be linked to Bulawayo via a pipeline, allowing the city to access water from the Zambezi River.The extensive project also includes a 10MW mini hydroelectric power station, a 252km pipeline with six booster stations from the dam to Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, a 220ML/day Cowdray Park water treatment plant, and irrigation schemes covering 10 000 hectares for communities situated along the pipeline.Lake Gwayi-Shangani is considered one of the flagship projects of the Second Republic.

It is expected to strengthen food security, stimulate industrial growth, and profoundly improve the livelihoods of communities across the nation.The dam’s pipeline will not just supply water to Bulawayo; it will also facilitate the creation of irrigation schemes along its route, ultimately fostering a new greenbelt.Zinwa Assistant Resident Engineer, Tinevimbo Hope Musingarimi, reported that work is progressing well following the Government’s financial support.“We began placing roller-compacted concrete on 18 June after receiving funding from the Government. We have completed the 22-metre lift for Block Three and are now preparing for another section of the dam wall.“We are also advancing work on the hydroelectric power plant, which is currently 78 percent complete. At present, we are reinforcing structures and installing drainage pipes,” she said.Engineer Musingarimi noted that there are currently 400 workers on site.“At the moment, we have 400 workers on site, and as construction progresses, we plan to recruit more.

This week, we will begin pouring concrete on Block Three and grouting the joints.“To accelerate progress, we will introduce night shifts. Lake Gwayi-Shangani is a transformative project — it will supply water, generate electricity, and boost tourism and fisheries,” she said.During a recent stakeholders and inter-ministerial meeting for the Gwayi-Tshangani project, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Dr Anxious Masuka, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to completing the mega project swiftly.He said the Government had released US$5 million to fund ongoing construction, with Treasury promising to continue monthly disbursements to expedite progress.The project requires US$4 million per month. Currently, the dam wall stands at 39 metres and must be raised by an additional 22 metres to enable water impoundment during the upcoming rainy season.With a planned holding capacity of 634.27 million cubic metres, the project is now 72 percent complete.

Seen as a permanent solution to Bulawayo’s water shortages, the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project is now 72 percent complete.Valuation of properties affected by the development has been finalised, impacting 734 households across 27 villages, five properties at Lubimbi Business Centre, and eight institutional centres, with an estimated total value of US$2 million.The relocation programme will include new homes, infrastructure, and social amenities, including access to potable water for all affected families.Lake Gwayi-Shangani was first proposed in 1912, but implementation stalled under the Rhodesian administration.The Government revived the project in 2012, and the Second Republic has since committed substantial resources to it and other initiatives aligned with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030.Zinwa is collaborating with engineers from China International Water and Electric Corporation.At any given time, approximately 350 workers are on site, with capacity to increase to 620 as efforts intensify to complete the project.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald