Rains swell dam levels

George Maponga

Masvingo Bureau

Water levels in Zimbabwe’s major dams have started rising in the wake of rains falling countrywide, in a development that boosts irrigation.

After a prolonged dry spell raised concerns about water depletion, the new rainfall has led to improved water levels, with the national average now at 57,4 percent as of yesterday, representing a 0,63 percent rise from the December 24 level.

Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) head of corporate communications and marketing Mrs Marjorie Munyonga said: “Water levels in the country’s major dams have started improving following the rains being received in most parts of the country.”

Notable dam level increases were recorded in the Mzingwane and Runde catchments over the period under review.

The Mzingwane catchment covers mostly Matabeleland South province while Runde Catchment is predominantly Masvingo province.

The dam levels are expected to continue improving as the rain season intensifies.

Other dams such as Manyuchi, Silalabuhwa, Mzingwane, Zhovhe, Insiza, Inyankuni, Mutshabezi, Upper Ncema, Amapongokwe, Gwenhoro, Muzhwi, Tokwane, Bangala and Insiza, have recorded some increases.

“Regardless of these improvements, the national dam level average remains below the 78 percent recorded during the same week last year, and water users are advised to continue using the resource sparingly and efficiently,” said Mrs Munyonga

“All those drawing water from the dams for purposes, other than primary purposes, including for summer crop irrigation, should ensure that their water use is in terms of water abstraction agreements in accordance with the law.”

In the Manyame catchment area, Chivero is 71 percent full while Manyame is 72,8 percent full.

The two dams which supply water to Harare.

In the Mazowe catchment, Mazowe dam was 28,2 percent full while in the Mzingwane catchment Upper and Lower Ncema, which supply water to Bulawayo, were 3,8 percent and 5,9 percent full.

In the Runde catchment area, Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam, Tugwi-Mukosi was 60,5 percent full, ensuring irrigation water supply for the cane fields in the Lowveld.

The country’s second largest inland dam, Lake Mutirikwi, which is also under Runde catchment and supplies irrigation water to Lowveld cane fields, is 89,2 percent full.

The dam is also used for power generation.

Muzhwi Dam in Chivi is 82,3 percent full while Bangala is 30,7 percent full.

However, Siya is 14,7 percent full and Manjirenji 12 percent.

The two dams are in the Save catchment area and are the mainstay of irrigation at Mkwasine Estates in the Lowveld.