Chivhu dam commissioning edges closer
Mako Jerera
Minister of Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Dr Joram Gumbo says Chivhu Dam, which is currently under construction is 98 percent complete.
The dam wall has been completed while construction of the outlet, spillway and other associated structures is in progress.
The dam is supposed to feed Chivhu town with more potable water.
It is also expected to feed a piped water scheme set to cover 120 hectares of arable land.
Minister Gumbo said the project is of strategic national importance, as water bodies contribute to the performance of the economy.
“It is also important to note that during the National Development Strategy 1 period, Government will accelerate construction work on on-going dam projects while the inspection programme for all major dams in the country to assess risks to public safety , extent of water losses and extent of siltation will be strengthened “, said Minister Gumbo earlier this week.
Minister Gumbo gave the assessment after a two day visit to Mashonaland East province, where he was getting progress updates on major projects.
He said water challenges in Chivhu town will soon be a thing of the past, once the dam is commissioned.
“I’m pleased that the piped water scheme resulting from the dam will increase the water pumping capacity for Chivhu town from the current 150 cubic metres per hour to 450 cubic metres per hour”, said Minister Gumbo.
The project is being given same priority as Gwayi- Shangani, Thuli-Manyange, Muchekeranwaand Tugwi-Mukosi dams.
Costs for constructing the dam are running up to US$42 million.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Aplonia Munzverengwi said the project will make lives of people living in Chivhu easier.
“Chivhu town’s water demand overtook the capacity of the treatment plant in the 1990s. The provision of adequate water will unlock Chivhu’s urban growth as well as its commercial and industrial potential,” said Minister Munzverengwi.
Currently water in the dam can irrigate 20 hectares but when fully functional the dam shall irrigate 120 hectares.
According to ZINWA, the Chivhu Dam project will have 4 components, dam, irrigation, water supply, fisheries component, with fisheries coming at a later stage.
The treatment plant is ready to function, with pumps ready, pipeline installed.
Chivhu Dam becomes the second dam to be constructed in the province under the New Dispensation in a space of three years.
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