Zimbabwe’s dam levels rise, enhancing water security

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

HARARE – According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the average water level in the nation's dams has increased to 74.8 percent. This marks a notable improvement of 0.89 percent since December 13, 2023. The rise in water levels is attributed to widespread rainfall, resulting in increased inflows. 

Umzingwane Dam

Majorie Munyonga, ZINWA's corporate communications and marketing manager, highlighted that significant improvements have been observed in various major dams such as Ngwenya, Pollards, Exchange, Chivero, Manyame, Mzingwane, Upper Ncema, Zhovhe, Antelope, Manjirenji, Mutirikwi, Amapongokwe, Claw, Bangala, Ruti, Siya, Gwenoro, Whitewaters, and Manyuchi.

“Other dams which have recorded improvements in water levels are Insiza, Upper Insiza, Mbembeswane, Mashoko, Dziva, Hama, Seke and Tokwane. The improvement in the dam levels means improved water security for urban areas and the irrigating communities,” she said.

However, Munyonga noted that some major dams have experienced no change or a decline in water levels over the past week.

“The Zimbabwe National Water Authority is closely monitoring inflows into and withdrawals from the dams and wishes to remind all those using raw water from ZINWA dams to ensure that their water use is in terms of water abstraction agreements in accordance with the law,” she said.

ZINWA is closely monitoring the inflow and withdrawal of water from the dams. 

Munyonga emphasized that all users drawing water from ZINWA dams must adhere to water abstraction agreements in compliance with the law. 

Those interested in accessing water from ZINWA dams are advised to visit their nearest ZINWA office and sign the necessary agreements. 

Failure to do so will result in no water being released to users.

Furthermore, ZINWA encourages all water users to exercise prudent water consumption practices in order to make the best use of the available water resources.