Semwa Dam is a proposed dam on the Ruya River in the Mount Darwin and Rushinga districts of Zimbabwe. The dam is intended to provide irrigation water for 12,000 hectares of land, as well as generate hydroelectric power and provide potable water for Rushinga and Chimhanda Growth Pointsgrowth point.

Construction of the dam began in 2011 but was put on hold in 2015 due to funding constraints. The project resumed in 2019 and is currently approximately 42 percent complete. The estimated cost of the project is USD141 million.

The dam is expected to be completed in 2024. Once completed, Semwa Dam will be a major economic development project for the Mount Darwin and Rushinga districts. It will boost agricultural production, create jobs, and provide much-needed water for the region.

The construction of Semwa Dam has faced some challenges, including delays due to funding constraints and environmental concerns. However, the project is expected to be completed on schedule.

The completion of Semwa Dam will be a significant milestone for Zimbabwe. It will help to address the country’s water shortages and boost agricultural production. The dam will also be a major source of hydroelectric power, which will help to reduce the country’s reliance on imported energy.

The Semwa Dam project is a major development for Zimbabwe. It is a project that will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people.

The project scope entails the construction of a rockfill dam, covering a catchment area of 4500km2 and a full supply capacity of 260 000ML.

The US $3.4bn project is wholly funded by the Government of Zimbabwe through Treasury.

Text by Perry Kaande

From: S&D ISSUE 60