The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
THE country’s dams continue to record significant increases as a result of the torrential rains being received across the country.
In a statement, Zimbabwe National Water Authority corporate communications and marketing manager, Mrs Marjory Munyonga, said the majority of the major dams monitored by Zinwa were now full and spilling.
“Major gains have been recorded in dams such as Tokwe-Mukorsi Dam which is now 49 percent full, Mzingwane Dam which is now full and Inyankuni which is now 74, 5 percent.
“As of February 27, the national dam level average stood at 71, 5 percent up from 65, 5 percent. The increasing number of spilling dams raises the risk of flooding in areas downstream of such dams.
Zinwa will continue monitoring the situation at all the dams with particular attention being given to dams such as Manyuchi (125 percent), Ngezi (141, 8 percent), Makwi (117 percent), Tokwane (108 percent) and Amapongokwe (109 percent).
“Communities downstream of these dams should exercise extreme caution when crossing rivers and should ensure that all irrigation equipment in the rivers is secured or removed to avoid damage or loss,” she said.
Mrs Munyonga said the current rains had also severely affected service delivery in a number of places where Zinwa supplies treated water.
“The flooding being experienced in some parts of the country has resulted in the damage of Zinwa pumping equipment, making it impossible for the authority to provide service.
As such the areas are either receiving limited water supplies or receiving no water at all.
Areas that have been affected include Chivi, Ngomahuru, Mashava, West Nicholson, Esigodini, Maleme, Antelope, Tsholotsho, Nkayi, Ntabazinduna, Kennilworth and Figtree.
“Zinwa is making frantic efforts to ensure that the situation is rectified within the shortest possible period. Teams have already been dispatched to carry out repairs of various damaged equipment.
The authority appeals to those receiving water to use the available water sparingly and efficiently.
Clients are also encouraged to contact the ZINWA Call Centre in cases of breakdowns, pipe bursts or when they need assistance,” said Mrs Munyonga.
Below is the summary of the state of major dams as of February 27, 2017:
Dam Catchment Purpose %full
Bubi-Lupane Gwayi Irrig & Water Supply 104
Exchange Gwayi Irrig & Water Supply 100
Khami Gwayi Irrigation 90,5
Insukamini Gwayi Irrig & Water Supply 119, 3
Lower Mgusa Gwayi Irrigation 111, 3
Chivero Manyame Irrig & Water Supply 103,2
Manyame Manyame Water Supply & Irrig 98, 7
Mazvikadei Manyame Irrigation and Mining 104, 4
Blockely Manyame Irrig & Water Supply 65
Karoi Manyame Water Supply & Irrig 100
Mazowe Mazowe Irrigation 79,2
Nyambuya Mazowe Irrig & Water Supply 100
Rufaro Mazowe Water Supply 100
Kushinga/Phikhelela Mazowe Irrig & Water Supply 101
Mtshabezi Mzingwane Irrigation and Water Supply 106, 8
Zhovhe Mzingwane Irrigation 106,6
Upper Ncema Mzingwane Water Supply 112,9
Lower Ncema Mzingwane Water Supply 110,3
Inyankuni Mzingwane Water Supply 74,5
Mundi-Mataga Mzingwane Irrigation 115, 7
Manyuchi Mzingwane Irrigation 125
Bangala Runde Irrigation 105,3
Tokwe-Mukorsi Runde Irrigation 49
Amapongokwe Runde Irrigation 112
Muzhwi Runde Irrigation and Mining 129, 4
Mutirikwi Runde Irrig and Water Supply 25,2
Manjirenji Runde Irrigation 60,3
Mushandike Runde Irrigation 56,5
Sebakwe Sanyati Water Supply and Irrig 117,2
Whitewaters Sanyati Water Supply 100,3
Claw Sanyati Irrig and Water Supply 98,2
Osborne Save Irrigation 56,5
Siya Save Irrigation 61,9
Wenimbi Save Water Supply and Irrig 102,1
Rusape Save Water Supply and Irrig 100, 2
Ruti Save Irrigation 90,3
