Source: Zinwa to drain extra water from Mutirikwi | Sunday News (local news)

Sharon Chimenya, Masvingo Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) is planning to drain water from Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo to create room for anticipated inflows in the coming rainy season as the water body is still almost full.

Lake Mutirikwi, which is the second largest inland water body in the country, is still 93 percent full from last year’s inflows.

Masvingo Zinwa river inspector Mr Tungamirai Chireshe said they are planning to drain water from the water body down to around 80 percent to also ensure the safety of the dam structure.

“According to the weather forecast we are expecting more rains and it is not recommended to fill the dam with the first rains just imagine you have the season up to March with the dam spilling. At the moment we are draining 10 000 litres per second and we have proposed it be pushed to 20 000 litres per second,” he said.

Mr Chireshe said they were also in constant contact with the people downstream to ensure their safety when they are releasing water.

“Our wish was maybe if we get to 80 percent and it would be safe for the structure.

The lake last reached full capacity in January 2005 and last season it reached 98 percent.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Ezra Chadzamira has indicated that some communities in the province will still need food assistance.

“The recent ZIMVAC report shows that some households in Masvingo Province will be seasonally food insecure during the peak hunger period beginning October,” he said.

“Government and developmental partners have embarked on a joint registration exercise so that they come up with a master register of beneficiaries that will be used for food distribution by both parties beginning end of October.”

Cde Chadzamira said the province was also geared for the farming season with farmers already receiving inputs under various Government supported programmes.