THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the long-awaited Gwayi-Shangani Dam, declaring the project a national priority with Cabinet resolving to channel US$5 million every month towards its finalisation.
As Zimbabwe faces growing demand for reliable water sources, the second republic has elevated the Gwayi-Shangani project to the top of its infrastructure agenda, seeing it as central to both water security and broader economic development.
Speaking during a site tour recently, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development minister Anxious Masuka said the government was now prioritising accelerated work on the reservoir, pump stations and related hydro-infrastructure.
He said funding for the project would also cater for the resettlement and compensation of families affected by dam construction.
“Cabinet directed that US$5 million be allocated monthly to Gwayi-Shangani. This covers core construction work and support for families impacted by the development.
“The project has made notable strides, especially on the hydropower plant and pumping infrastructure. It is a priority which President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa is closely monitoring,” Masuka said.
The strategic lake, which is part of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, is expected to usher in a wave of development across key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy and water services — particularly for Bulawayo, which has long suffered from chronic water shortages.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo welcomed the Cabinet resolution saying it reflected a deep understanding of the region’s developmental needs.
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“As Matabeleland North, we are encouraged by this commitment. Gwayi-Shangani is more than a dam — it’s a life-changing infrastructure that will bring irrigation, boost food security, attract investment and resolve water woes in Bulawayo,” he said.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam, once completed, will form a linchpin in Zimbabwe’s broader water delivery and climate resilience strategy. It will also enable the creation of a greenbelt stretching from Gwayi to Bulawayo, supporting irrigation schemes that aim to transform agriculture to a year-round economic engine for the region.
As the government continues to prioritise infrastructural development under Vision 2030, Gwayi-Shangani stands as a flagship example of how targeted investment in strategic water projects can drive inclusive and sustainable growth across provinces.
