The construction of Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East has recorded remarkable progress in 2024, with the project now standing at 56 percent completion.
The dam, located on the Nyagui River, which marks the boundary between Murehwa and Goromonzi districts, is slated for completion in 2025 and remains a critical element of Zimbabwe’s water infrastructure development efforts.
Once completed, Kunzvi Dam is set to transform water availability for communities and businesses in its vicinity. It will provide irrigation water for at least 500 hectares of land in surrounding areas while catering to domestic water needs for the growing Juru Growth Point, Cross and Musami Business Centres, and Majuru Business Centre in Goromonzi District.
In addition to these local benefits, Kunzvi Dam is envisioned to address the long-standing water challenges in Harare, particularly in the capital’s eastern suburbs.
According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) head of corporate communications and marketing, Mrs. Marjorie Munyonga, work on the accompanying water treatment plant and the pipeline that will supply water to Harare is also progressing well. These components are at varying stages of completion and are integral to ensuring the dam meets its intended objectives.
As part of the project, a hydroelectric plant is being designed to generate electricity for local communities, adding a renewable energy aspect to the dam’s benefits.
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Mrs. Munyonga provided an update on construction activities at the site, highlighting significant advancements:
- Core material placement: A total of 839,750 cubic metres of core material has been placed on the left and right banks as well as the riverbed.
- Fill placement: A cumulative 507,920 cubic metres of fill material has been placed on the left bank and the riverbed section.
- Riprap and sand placement: On the left bank, 3,210 cubic metres of sand and 14,225 cubic metres of riprap have been placed.
- Outlet tunnel progress: Fixing of 11 tonnes of 200mm diameter steel is underway, alongside the curing of tunnel walls.
- Intake tower and excavation: Activities include formwork stripping on the intake tower and continued excavation in borrow areas.
- Stockpiling: A total of 27,330 cubic metres of river sand has been stockpiled for ongoing and future work.
Kunzvi Dam is one of the major projects under Zimbabwe’s national water infrastructure development agenda. Its completion will not only boost agricultural productivity and ease water shortages in Harare but also strengthen local communities by providing power and fostering economic growth.
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