Dams overflow, Mazowe mines busted for stealing water

Dam levels are way up, but watch out downstream. The national water average has hit seventy eight percent across Zimbabwe, with many major dams like Manyuchi and Zhovhe completely full after heavy rains. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority warned communities living below these reservoirs to stay alert for potential flooding from water spilling over. Despite the overall good news, Bulawayo faces a different reality with its combined supply dams at only about forty two percent, though that is still better than last year. Key projects like Kunzvi Dam are progressing, now almost seventy percent finished, and will eventually hold a huge volume for the Harare area.

Specific dams show varied levels, with Tugwi Mukosi nearly full at over ninety-nine percent, prompting another spillage alert, while Mazowe Dam is critically low at barely nine percent. Officials blame this shortage on mining operations diverting water and damaging riverbeds. A government information secretary stated that recent inspections in the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe district led to fines and removal orders for several companies, including foreign-owned firms, caught mining in the Mazowe river. Authorities are now planning a rehabilitation program for the damaged area.

This push for water security includes a wider national dam construction campaign aimed at boosting irrigation and food stability. The ongoing infrastructure work, paired with current high water reserves, sets a strong foundation for the agricultural season.