STAFF WRITER
AT least US$1 billion is needed to complete the Gwayi Shangani Dam, The Zambezi News has learnt.
This comes at a time government has missed several deadlines to complete the major water source touted as the long term solution to Bulawayo’s perennial water crisis.
This week, Bulawayo city authorities said the dam wall project was a toll order because funding was a problem.
“So far funding worth US$200 million was raised but to complete the project that will cost around US$1 billion. We have taken 15 years to have that dam constructed and it currently stands at 39 percent complete,” said Bulawayo City Council director of Engeneering services Simela Dube during a water crisis virtual meeting.
Despite government saying the project is now expected to be finished in 2022, Dube said more time was needed.
“The pipeline has not been started and needs at least four years to complete, again with resources permitting,” he said.
“The work can be done and if we can raise US$1 billion dedicated to the pipeline,” Dube added.
So far, about US$122 million has been spent on the project, according to the government.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam, mooted in 1912, is a critical component of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (MZWP).
However, since its inception in 1912, the dam is yet to be completed due to what observers say is lack of political will and inadequate resources.
Currently, the China International Water and Electric Corporation which was awarded the tender by the government, is undertaking the project.
Upon completion, the dam will become the country’s third largest inland water body after Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi.
The dam, which is on the confluence of Gwayi and Shangani rivers, is expected to bring about socio-economic transformation of surrounding communities and other parts of the drought-prone Matabeleland North province.
