WATER levels in dams across Zimbabwe have risen in response to rains received nationwide with some reservoirs reaching full capacity, offering relief after months of water insecurity.
Most major dams have also seen notable increases, bolstering water reserves for agriculture and domestic use in the country with reservoirs such as Lake Mutirikwi and Silalabuhwa Dams now at 100% capacity, signalling a strong recovery.
Other key reservoirs, such as Manyuchi (99,5%) and Tugwi-Mukosi (96%) have also reached significant levels.
However, some dams remain at critically low levels, raising concern over water supply in certain regions including Bulawayo and the Matabeleland region with Inyankuni Dam at 9,8%, Lower Ncema being among the lowest at 7% while Upper Ncema (35,2%) and Mzingwane (33,3%) are also struggling despite the favourable rains.
In the Mashonaland region, Mazowe (32,8%) remains below optimal levels, prompting calls for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
On a positive note, several dams have recorded substantial water retention, including Zhovhe (92,6%), Masembura (93,1%), and Arcadia (82,6%).
Urban supply dams such as Chivero (73,2%) and Upper Insiza (75,4%) indicate stable conditions for major cities like Harare and Bulawayo.
In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, Zinwa spokesperson Marjorie Munyonga yesterday said the national dam level average had risen to 85,8%.
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“Water levels in the country’s major dams remain on an upward trend on account of the rains being received in different parts of the country. As of February 24, 2025, the national dam level average had risen to 85,8% with the dams gaining a cumulative 28,9% since December 19, 2024,” she said.
“This is 18,3% higher than the 10,6%, which the dams gained during the same period in the past season. The country’s two largest inland water bodies, Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi, which are both in Masvingo are already full and spilling.”
Munyonga said improved dam levels marked a significant recovery from recent dry spells that threatened agricultural productivity and water supply.
“Dams in Matabeleland North province had the highest percentage gains in terms of inflows at 66,1%, followed by dams in Bulawayo province with 44,4%. Mashonaland East province has so far recorded the least inflows of 5%, followed by Mashonaland West whose dams gained a cumulative 8,1% since December 19, 2024. The gains are expected to improve as more inflows are anticipated,” she said.
Munyonga called on communities downstream of dams to be on high alert, monitor the movement of children and livestock as well as ensure that all water abstraction equipment along river channels is removed or properly secured.
