The Government of Zimbabwe has dramatically accelerated the construction of two flagship water infrastructure projects—the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and the Kunzvi Dam—with the Treasury releasing a substantial sum of US$101.74 million this year. The funds are aimed squarely at resolving the chronic water supply challenges facing the country’s two largest cities, Bulawayo and Harare. Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube confirmed the significant progress achieved across both projects. The Gwayi-Shangani Dam, a long-awaited solution for Bulawayo’s persistent water woes, now stands at 72.4% completion. Meanwhile, the Kunzvi Dam, vital for reinforcing Harare’s water supply, is 65% complete.
The total disbursement of US$101.74 million was strategically allocated across the dam and pipeline components to ensure continuous momentum in construction. The largest portion of the funding, $73.56 million, was earmarked for Kunzvi Dam Construction, reflecting its immediate priority, while $25.30 million was allocated to the Gwayi-Shangani Dam Construction. Smaller, yet critical, sums of $2.39 million were disbursed for the Gwayi-Shangani Pipeline and $0.50 million for the Kunzvi Pipeline, bringing the total released to $101.75 million.
The Gwayi-Shangani project is far more than just a dam; it is an ambitious regional water scheme that will significantly transform the region. Once complete, it will involve the construction of a 252 km pipeline to deliver water directly to Bulawayo. Additionally, the project incorporates a 10 MW mini-hydropower plant and a massive 220 megalitre/day water treatment facility. Crucially, the scheme is expected to transform regional agriculture by providing irrigation for 10,000 hectares of farmland along the pipeline route, creating a new economic corridor.
In reinforcing the capital’s water infrastructure, the Kunzvi Dam is focused on providing additional potable water to the Harare Metropolitan Province. Beyond urban supply, it will support the irrigation of 500 hectares of nearby agricultural land. Its benefits also extend to key growth centres outside the capital, including Juru, Cross Musami, and Majuru, helping to decentralise development.
Construction progress indicates sustained activity on the ground. For the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, the wall height has reached 45 meters on the left bank and 39 meters across the right bank and spillway sections, pushing towards structural completion. At the Kunzvi Dam site, physical works are highly advanced, with excavation reported as 95% complete. Furthermore, the embankment currently stands at 65% completion, while concrete works, critical for the dam’s integrity, are 60% complete.
The Treasury’s massive financial injection signals the government’s determination to bring these flagship water security projects to fruition, promising relief to millions of citizens and opening up new opportunities for energy generation and agricultural development.
