Work accelerates on Gwayi-Shangani Dam, paving way for agricultural growth

Work accelerates on Gwayi-Shangani Dam, paving way for agricultural growth

Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic CorrespondentCONSTRUCTION of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam is progressing well, with a visit to the site revealing men at work, as the dam wall continues to rise.In 1912, the idea to build the dam was mooted, but no work took place until around 2017, and now, as the dam wall rises, hope is being ignited that indeed the second republic will ensure work is completed.The Gwayi Shangani dam project is key to changing the fortunes of Matabeleland North and Bulawayo provinces. The dam is expected to boost agriculture production along the 256 kilometres pipeline, which will run from the dam to Bulawayo.As the dam is being constructed, infrastructure for the pipeline is being laid down, and once the massive water body is completed, agricultural activities can commence.A visit to the dam site shows work in progress with men and women working frantically around the clock to ensure they beat set targets.Set to be the country’s third-largest inland water body, the dam is being built with the roller-compacted concrete technology method.Young people, including Assistant Resident Engineer Tinevimbo Musingarimi are spearheading the project.She is upbeat on the pace of work, as she highlights that the project is receiving substantial funds from government, enabling work to go on undeterred.“The last time you came, we were at around 70% completion. Now we are at 73 %. We are on 43 metres now, and we have been receiving substantial funding from government since July 2025, so we have been progressing well. From July to date, we have poured 15 000 cubic metres of concrete, which is massive, and we are planning to continue through the holiday. We have two shifts, day and night,” Assistant Resident Engineer, Gwayi Shangani, Tinevimbo Musingarimi said.As the dam wall rises, there is also work being done on the hydro-power plant.The work being done here is on a hydro power plant, which will produce 10 megawatts of electricity.The power will be utilised by surrounding communities, which include schools, medical facilities and tourism facilities.The steel that is being utilised in the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani dam is being brought from Manhize.“It will produce a maximum of 10 megawatts upon completion. The civil works are now 50% complete. We started excavation in 2022, which is when we started blasting and excavation. Since then, we have been working on it. There is massive steelwork being done here. We have been using steel from Manhize,” Engineering Surveyor Gwayi-Shangani, Emmanuel Kamhunga said.The ordinary workers at construction site are not only grateful for the job opportunity but are keen to see the development that will follow once the dam is completed.There are close to 500 employees working at the dam site.“I started on this project from its inception, and I have been working here since then, and I am glad we are getting the work done,” an employee said.“I have managed to build and develop myself through working here at the dam,” a beneficiary said.“Seeing that I come from this area, I am excited about what having this water body will do in alleviating our water challenges,” a community member said.Since the coming on board of the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in Manhize, the country has been saving foreign currency through import substitution.The cost of acquiring the steel, a key raw material, has also been reduced. The availability of steel locally has also seen a huge decline in terms of cost.With deadlines to beat, work is being carried out on a 24-hour shift at the dam.

Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent

Source: ZBC News