RECENT rains have not raised water levels, with only a few dams recording slight increases, according to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa). BY STAFF REPORTER

Source: Dam levels remain low despite rains – NewsDay Zimbabwe December 7, 2016

BY STAFF REPORTER
The national dam level average currently stands at 37,7%, when it is expected to be over 60%
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“Despite the rains, no inflows have been recorded in most of the country’s major dams, with only a few dams recording slight increases in water levels,” Zinwa said in a statement yesterday, urging people to use water sparingly and to plug any leakages along irrigation lines and domestic taps.

The percentage inflows are slight to insignificant, with Khami Dam in Bulawayo recording 6,7%, Upper Ncema in Matabeleland South 0,1%, and Manyame (Mashonaland West) 0,1%, among others.

Most major dams that serve irrigation and water supplies have also not recorded improvements in inflows and are still below the 60% threshold expected at this time of the year. Chivero is at 52,1%, Insukamini in the Gwayi catchment area is at 41,1% with Mazowe in Mashonaland Central at a lowly 5,1% full.

Zinwa advised irrigation farmers to line canals to minimise evaporation and for them to have abstraction agreements entered between the authority and the farmers.

The agreements are a legal requirement and allow Zinwa to properly allocate the available water among the users.