GOVERNMENT says it is on course to commission Kunzvi Dam in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East province, before year-end.
The project is said to be 62% complete.
Once complete, the dam is expected to provide a lasting solution to Harare’s chronic water supply challenges and benefit surrounding communities.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Jenfan Muswere told journalists during a media tour on Wednesday that government was prioritising the dam project to alleviate water challenges faced by greater Harare residents.
“The Kunzvi Dam is one of the success stories of the new dispensation, where His Excellency President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa has prioritised dam infrastructural development,” Muswere said.
“We expect His Excellency to inaugurate the project by the end of this year.”
Once complete, the dam will not only supply water for domestic and industrial use, but also spur economic activities such as agriculture and aquaculture.
“The dam will support irrigation for over 500 hectares in the district and introduce aquaculture, among other ventures,” Muswere added.
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He said the project would generate thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly, while bolstering Harare’s water supply.
Kunzvi Dam was mooted decades ago, but was continually postponed, due to funding challenges and a false belief that the existing water sources were adequate.
The US$109 million dam is the first Harare water supply reservoir that is not on the Manyame River and is on the opposite side of the metropolitan area and Morton Jaffray Water Works as well as lakes Chivero and Manyame.
It will serve higher altitude areas furthest from the waterworks.
Besides ensuring supplies for north-east and eastern Harare, Chitungwiza and Ruwa will benefit from Kunzvi Dam, situated on the confluence of the Nora and Nyaguwe rivers in Goromonzi district.
