The Treasury has released US$101.74 million this year to accelerate construction of the Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi dams, flagship infrastructure projects designed to resolve long-standing water crises in Bulawayo and Harare.
Finance Minister Prof. Mthuli Ncube announced the funding on Tuesday, stating that Gwayi-Shangani Dam is now 72.4 per cent complete while Kunzvi Dam has reached 65 per cent.
The allocation breaks down as follows: US$25.3 million for Gwayi-Shangani Dam proper, US$2.39 million for its pipeline, US$73.56 million for Kunzvi Dam construction and US$0.5 million for the Kunzvi pipeline.
The Gwayi-Shangani–Bulawayo scheme includes a 252-kilometre pipeline, a 10-megawatt mini-hydropower station, a 220-megalitre-per-day treatment plant and irrigation for 10,000 hectares of farmland en route.
Kunzvi Dam will supply Harare and support irrigation for 500 hectares, benefiting growth points including Juru, Cross Musami and Majuru.
At Gwayi-Shangani, the dam wall stands 45 metres high on the left bank and 39 metres on the right bank and spillway.
Kunzvi reports 95 per cent excavation complete, 65 per cent embankment and 60 per cent concrete works.
