Staff Reporter
In a remarkable display of resilience and unity, the people of Switsha in Gwanda District have come together to save their community’s primary water source, the Switsha Dam.
Once a dependable reservoir that provided water to both villagers and livestock, the dam has been critically affected by siltation over the years, severely limiting its capacity and putting the community at risk of water shortages.
The dam, originally built in 1956, requires regular desilting to maintain its function. In recent years, however, maintenance efforts have lapsed, and the once-vital water reserve now only lasts for a few months before drying up.
In an interview with this publication, Gwanda South MP and Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi highlighted how community-driven initiatives like this align with President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy, “ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo” (a country is built by its own people).
“I commend the Switsha villagers for their self-sufficiency and dedication, encouraging other communities to take similar steps. Instead of waiting for government intervention, it is powerful to see communities mobilising resources locally. Switsha is setting an example in grassroots development. This effort not only supports the Vision 2030 agenda for a middle-income economy but also addresses the immediate needs of residents who depend on the dam for survival,” he said.
Dr. Marupi noted that the project, funded in part by community contributions with every household donating a minimum of US$10, enabled the hiring of heavy machinery to expedite the desilting process.
“Water is life, and by restoring this dam, the community is setting itself up for self-sufficiency. They can now look forward to horticultural projects, adequate water for cattle, and an overall improvement in their quality of life. Beyond securing water, the Switsha dam rehabilitation is paving the way for sustainable development, showing how communities can unite to address pressing local issues.
“I also urge other communities to follow Switsha’s example, using local resources to strengthen their own development. With this dam, we not only secure water for today but also create opportunities for future generations,” Dr. Marupi remarked.
In response, both current residents and former community members from across the globe have rallied to take on the project themselves. By pooling resources, the community has been able to purchase essential equipment and organise the labour needed to clear the dam of silt. Their efforts are bolstered by a blend of old-fashioned hard work and strategic use of modern machinery, aimed at restoring the dam to its former glory.
A long-time resident, Sibongile Moyo recalls a time when the dam provided ample water, sustaining the community through dry spells.
“The dam used to get us through the harshest months, but now it’s barely a lifeline,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The village head, Fredrick Ncube, expressed optimism that the dam rehabilitation would be completed before the upcoming rainy season.
“Our goal is to finish soon so that we can capture as much water as possible. A restored dam will be a game-changer for our village. This dam is vital for our survival and our future. With it restored, we can consider agricultural projects again, secure in the knowledge that water will be available. We realised that instead of waiting for outside help, we had to act ourselves,” he noted.
The Switsha community’s dam rehabilitation effort is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when individuals come together with a common goal. As they complete the final stages of desilting, the community can now look forward to a restored lifeline, securing water for both present needs and future generations.
