Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter

THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) board led by Engineer Bongile Ndiweni on Tuesday visited the Gwayi-Shangani dam site to assess progress made following the resumption of construction works last month.

The construction works at Gwayi-Shangani dam resumed last month after Chinese engineers contracted to the project returned to the country a year after being held in the Asian nation due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

The construction of the dam is expected to be completed by year end.

The Gwayi-Shangani dam construction is part of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project which upon completion is expected to provide a permanent water solution for Bulawayo and Matabeleland region.

It is also expected to create an irrigation greenbelt for communities in Matabeleland North.

Government has already embarked on a 260km Gwayi-Shangani Dam-Bulawayo pipeline which is expected to be completed by end of next year.

The Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction and completion have been made a top priority and this year with Government allocating $4,5 billion towards the project.

The Zinwa board is today holding high level meetings with the management at the parastatal following Tuesday’s dam tour.