By Staff Reporter
Recent rains received in Masvingo Province have brought a sigh of relief, with dam levels rising to 60.5 percent from last week’s 60 percent.
In a statement from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), major dams received a boost while others have reached their maximum capacity.
“The current wet spell has started to push up water levels in most major dams in Runde Catchment. As at January 6, 2025 the average level of dams in the catchment rose to 65.5 percent which represents a marginal 0.5 percent increase from the previous week.
“Muzhwi Dam which supplies Chivi Growth Point, Mashava and Mhandamabwe has increased by 6.7 percent and is now 88.9 percent full while Manyuchi Dam now stands at 62.2 percent after recording a significant 7.3 percent increase. A marginal 0.5 percent increase has seen the water level at Lake Mutirikwi rising to 83.4 percent,” reads the statement.
Five dams have reached their maximum capacity while Tugwi Mukosi the largest inland dam has not recorded any notable change.
“Nyatare dam, Gonye, Mabwematema, Mhende and Muteri are some of the few major dams in the catchment that have already reached their maximum capacity.
“Tugwi Mukosi is 60.5 percent full which is exactly the same level it was the previous week. The same situation is obtaining at Woodlands and Taramura Dams in Gutu where last week levels of 63.5 percent and 27.5 percent have been maintained,” reads the statement.
Manjirenji and Bangala are still on low levels with 12 and 31 percent respectively.
The low rainfall received in the country since the beginning of the rain season has resulted in the country’s major dams and reservoirs having 59.1 percent which is quite low than the levels recorded last year during the same time.
The country has received low rainfall despite predictions from the Meteorological Services Department which stated that the country would receive normal to above normal rainfall.
