Story by John Nhandara
The recent wet spell has brought glad tidings with the average national dam level hovering above 65%, while some of the dams are spilling.
According to statistics released by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), there has been a marked increase in dam levels across the country with most dams having breached the 65% mark.
“The national dam level average has risen to 65,1%, a 4,04% increase since January 10. Manyame catchment has the highest dam level average at 72,2% followed by Runde catchment at 71,6%. Gwayi catchment has a dam level average of 67,2%. Dams that have filled up include Lingwala, Moza, Tuli Makwe, Antelope and Ngwenya among others,” said ZINWA spokesperson, Tsungirirai Shoriwa.
ZINWA has, however, urged those drawing the precious liquid from dams to ensure water use is done in terms of abstraction agreements.
Despite these gains, the national dam level average remains lower than the 78% expected during this time of the year and water users are reminded to use the available resource efficiently and sustainably. All those drawing water for purposes other than primary purposes, including for summer crop irrigation should ensure that water is used in terms of abstraction agreements,” said Mr Shoriwa.
Government is spearheading construction of dams such as Kunzvi and Gwayi Shangani as part of efforts to improve water harvesting and propel irrigation development.
