Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
THE completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Lake project is drawing closer, with Government indicating it will support the establishment of a green belt in Matabeleland North Province while also supplying water to Bulawayo.
Ongoing works at the Lake underscore Government’s commitment to ensuring the national priority project remains on track.
Assistant Resident Engineer, Tinevimbo Musingarimi, says they hope to complete the project this year.
“We are now at a critical stage, currently we are progressing well. If everything proceeds as planned, we will complete this project this year,” she said.
Government is also driven by the necessity of delivering benefits to the targeted communities of the project.
“As Matebeleland North Province, we want to thank President Mnangagwa, this is all part of his visionary leadership,” Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Richard Moyo said.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, toured the project this Friday and highlighted the importance government places on this and other high-impact projects.
“This dam will provide many benefits. It looks at water for irrigation, tourism, Domestic and Commercial use and many other uses. The most important thing is the government’s commitment to ensure this project is delivered to Zimbabweans,” he said.
The national priority project has seen the government releasing US$5 million every month to ensure its completion.
The benefits of the Gwayi Shangani Lake include creating an agricultural greenbelt in Matabeleland North province, generating electricity through a 10 megawatt hydro-power station and solving Bulawayo’s perennial water woes, among others.
