THE construction of Vungu Dam in Silobela is approaching the halfway mark, raising optimism over its potential to boost food and water security in the district.
Located in agricultural region four, Silobela is characterised by arid conditions that have long limited access to water for both household and farming use. For many residents, mostly young girls who spend hours fetching water, the dam represents renewed hope for water security and economic empowerment.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) resident engineer, Engineer Fanuel Zivave, said significant progress has been made since work began.
“We now have about 10 metres of the dam wall, which has been constructed from the river bed. We have done the grouting of the foundation. In September, we started on other parts of the dam, including the coffer dam. Grouting has been completed on the riverbed and the right side of the dam,” he said.
Once complete, the dam is expected to support four irrigation schemes covering at least 1 200 hectares, boosting smallholder agriculture and food security in the district.
“We are committed to this project. This dam is a game-changer in the whole district. We are going to have a mini hydro power station, and a water treatment plant, all these will support the community,” Grindale Engineering Managing Director, Engineer Grison Muwidzi said.
Climate change is a dark reality facing Africa, and Zimbabwe is not spared from the vagaries of changing weather patterns.
With a length of 2.6 kilometres, a height of 30 metres, and an expected capacity of 195 million cubic metres, Vungu Dam stands as one of the country’s major infrastructure projects designed to mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance rural livelihoods.
The project aligns with government efforts to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable development through strategic water management. ZbcNews.co.zw
