Rehabilitation work begins at Mayorca Dam

Rehabilitation work on the walls of Mayorca Dam in Silobela has started, raising the hopes of 700 farmers who rely on the dam for irrigation water. The walls were destroyed by heavy rains that fell last season.

Silobela legislator Mr Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu confirmed the development.
“We have mobilised a number of Government departments led by ZINWA, who are working on the dam,” he said.
“We want to ensure that the dam retains more water during the coming rainy season.”

Mr Mpofu said they had mobilised resources from various stakeholders to ensure that the rehabilitation proceed smoothly.
“I recently donated 100 litres of fuel and 50 bags of cement for this project,” he said.
“There are some who have also come in with other donations. ZINWA came in with 200 bags of cement.

“We have also received sand from other well-wishers working together with villagers.”
Mr Manoki said villagers pledged to provide free labour to facilitate the work at the dam.
“We also have spoken to villagers who are willing to assist with labour,” he said.

“Of course, we will have our technical experts who will be assisted by the villagers.”
A number of families were displaced last year after the dam cracked due to heavy rains. The dam supplies water to Mayorca Irrigation Scheme, which serves about 7 00 farmers.

Villagers in Silobela will be hoping that the 79-hectare irrigation scheme is fully functional this year following indication by the Meteorological Department that this coming season may be heavily impacted by the El Nino weather phenomenon.