The long awaited Gwayi-Shangani Lake project, a cornerstone of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, has moved into the civil works phase for a 10-megawatt mini-hydro power station.
The project was first mooted in 1912 by the colonial Rhodesian government.
The Gwayi-Shangani project is seen as a lasting solution to Bulawayo’s water crisis, but it is behind schedule having missed deadlines.
Engineer Mavis Jongwe, however, noted progress in civil works and said the development integrates water provision, power generation and agricultural support.
“The Gwayi-Shangani Lake project is a key element of the MZWP, addressing water scarcity and energy needs in the region,” Jongwe said.
“The project has entered the civil works phase for a 10MW mini-hydro power station, which will also assist in providing bulk water supply.”
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She said major works include construction of the powerhouse, installation of turbines and generators, and development of a 132kV transmission line to feed into the national grid.
“Strategically, the project supports national renewable energy goals and establishes a water-energy-food nexus, with plans for a 245km pipeline and 10 000 hectares for irrigation,” Jongwe said.
“Local communities are also set to benefit from improved access to electricity and irrigation.”
Community members welcomed the development, expressing optimism over its potential to transform livelihoods.
A local farmer, Gracious Ncube, said reliable water supply would enhance agricultural productivity in the area.
“For us as farmers, this project brings hope. With irrigation, we can produce crops throughout the year and improve food security,” she said.
She also said the project would open up economic opportunities for young people.
“The introduction of electricity and infrastructure development will create jobs and skills opportunities for youths in our community,” Jongwe said.
Upon completion, Gwayi-Shangani Lake is expected to become Zimbabwe’s third-largest inland water body, with a capacity of about 650 million cubic metres.
In 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a tour of the Gwayi-Shangani dam, pledged to do everything in his ability to ensure the project is completed by the end of 2019.
In 2019, the dam missed the deadline due to delays and budget constraints and it was pushed to 2022.
After missing the 2022 deadline, completion date was further pushed to the end of 2023.
The government shifted the dam’s deadline multiple times, with the most recent target set for completion by the 2023/2024 summer cropping season.