Part of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam

Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
CONSTRUCTION work at the Gwayi-Shangani Dam remains on track after Government released funds for the project, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has said.

ZINWA communications and marketing manager Mrs Marjorie Munyonga confirmed the development in a statement.

She said the dam, a critical component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, is expected to result in the development of Matabeleland North through the supply of irrigation water for surrounding communities.

“Construction work at the Gwayi-Shangani Dam remains on course. The placement of concrete on the river bed which commenced in October is now 80 percent complete and has been stopped following the resumption of river flows due to the rains being received in a number of places across the country,” said Mrs Munyonga.

“The concrete slab will be completed once the flows subside. Construction work on the dam is now focused on off-riverbed works and efforts have already been redirected towards work on the outlet works, the making of precast units to be used on the dam and the crushing of rocks for concrete.”

She said work resumed at Gwayi-Shangani Dam in July this year after Treasury released funds for the payment of the contractor’s arrears. Work had stalled in 2013 owing to financial challenges.

China International Water and Electric Corporation is the contractor at Gwayi-Shangani Dam.

Mrs Munyonga said the dam has capacity to generate six megawatts of electricity.— @NyarieBakie