Story by Courage Bushe
THE Mundi-Mataga Dam is emerging as a key driver of rural development, supporting irrigation, fisheries, and tourism while improving livelihoods in surrounding communities.
Located in Mberengwa District, the dam is part of a broader national push to expand water infrastructure under the Second Republic, with communities now reaping tangible benefits.
Residents say the project has become an empowerment hub, sustaining irrigation schemes and fisheries while cushioning communities against the effects of climate change.
“We want to thank His Excellency, our President, for his visionary leadership… this project has benefited the people of Mberengwa,” a community member said.
The dam is also promoting inclusive participation, with women, youth, and war veterans actively involved in income-generating projects.
“Even in fisheries, we have various groups, war veterans, women, and youth who are benefiting,” another community member said.
Beneficiaries say the development reflects a broader drive to ensure inclusive growth.
“No one is being left behind. We are happy that projects are happening in our own Mberengwa,” a resident said.
Beyond agriculture and fisheries, the dam is opening up tourism opportunities, with activities such as boating and fishing expected to attract investment.
“What the government has done is commendable… what we now need is to boost tourism by attracting investors,” a resident added.
As Zimbabwe continues to scale up dam infrastructure, projects like Mundi-Mataga are proving critical in building resilient rural economies and advancing Vision 2030.
