By Geoffrey Moyo

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has revealed that the construction of Marovanyati Dam in Buhera is near completion at 96% with only a little work left on the spillway. The dam is expected to offer a source of livelihood in Buhera through sustaining several irrigation schemes and fishing projects. It is also set to be a tourist attraction destination.

Posting on its micro blogging site, the Ministry said, “Marovanyati Dam in Buhera is near completion at 96 % with little work left on the Spillway. Constructed at the confluence of Dzarowa and Mwerihari rivers, the dam has capacity of 50 million cubic metres and is already sustaining Murambinda Irrigation Scheme and Murambinda Growth Point.”

The partnership between Government and China has ensured the successful completion of the dam with Government allocating $19.5 million towards the construction.

“After years of deferment, the New Dispensation led by President Mnangagwa allocated $19.5 million towards the dam’s construction, ensuring its completion. The strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and China has seen implementation of various projects around the country.

“Designed and engineered by ZINWA. Marovanyati Dam is 28.2 m deep, 470 m long, with a height of 35.2 m. Chinese company, China Jiangxi, is the main contractor. Currently, the dam is holding 33 million cubic litres which is supplying Murambinda Township and Irrigation Scheme,” the Ministry added.

The completion of Murovanyati Dam also falls under the Government’s Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), “The completion of Marovanyati Dam falls within Government's Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), which prioritises quick-win projects in energy, water and sanitation, ICT, housing and transport. Focus is on expediting completion of on-going infrastructure projects.”