Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE 26-kilometre Muchekeranwa–Wenimbi water transfer project has reached an advanced stage, with completion expected within the next year as Government moves to strengthen water security for irrigation, communities and urban supply.
The strategic project will transfer water from Muchekeranwa Dam to Wenimbi Dam, helping to address persistent water shortages that have affected farmers, nearby communities and the town of Marondera.
Resident Engineer Joel Mbata said major milestones have already been achieved, particularly on the construction of pumping stations and associated infrastructure.
“We have completed the first reservoir at pumping station one, while the pump house shell is also complete. What remains is roofing and installation of the pumps. At pumping station two, the pump house shell is complete, with roofing and pump installation still outstanding,” he said.
Construction is also progressing at the remaining stations, with foundation work underway for the second reservoir, while the shell for the third and final pump house has been completed.
Mr Mbata said pipes for the 26-kilometre pipeline have been procured and are currently being manufactured in South Africa, with the first batch expected shortly.
“If all goes according to plan, we expect substantial completion by the end of this year, with tentative commissioning targeted for the end of the first quarter of 2027,” he said.
Once complete, the project will transfer 30 megalitres of water per day from Muchekeranwa Dam, which is currently spilling, to Wenimbi Dam, whose water levels remain below 35 percent despite last season’s heavy rains.
The development has been welcomed by local farmers, many of whom have struggled with declining water supplies for irrigation.
Wenimbi Dam supports irrigation schemes, A1 and A2 farmers, and supplies raw water to Marondera, making the project critical for both agricultural productivity and urban water security.
Marondera Town Clerk, Mr Rinashe Nyamuziwa said the local authority is also planning to expand its water treatment capacity to match the anticipated increase in raw water supply.
Council has submitted a proposal to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency seeking support for a US$15 million project to double treatment capacity from 15 to 30 megalitres per day.
The Muchekeranwa–Wenimbi scheme forms part of Government’s broader national water infrastructure drive, alongside flagship projects such as Kunzvi Dam and Gwayi-Shangani Dam, aimed at enhancing water security, agricultural resilience and economic growth.
