Faith Duri
Water levels in the majority of Masvingo major dams continued on an upward trend following the rains experienced in the province since the last few days.
According to the dam level statistics on January 24 2022, all the major dams have gained enough water that will be able to sustain people up to the next rainy season.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) Corporate Communications and Marketing Officer William Mugadziwa stated that since the rainy season it is promising to be a good season.
“Since we are in the rainy season, we can only estimate that all our dams will be full up to the end of this rain season since we have gained enough water that will be able to sustain us up to the next rainy season,” said Mugadziwa.
“Our dams are affected by siltation because we are in a rainy season. We can only give full analysis after the season because it is obvious that during the season, most dams are affected by siltation,” added Mugadziwa.
Despite water levels in dams continuing to rise, Mugadziwa said they are urging citizens to use water sparingly.
“While water levels in the dams continue improving, the need to conserve water still remains and people are advised to continue using water sparingly and efficiently while all those using raw water from ZINWA managed dams for purposes other than primary purposes, are advised to ensure that such use is in terms of water abstraction agreements as required by Water Aid,” he said.
Tugwi-Mukosi Dam has reached an average dam level of 102.27percent meaning it has reached its full water capacity level.
Mutirikwi dam is at 94,54percent, Manjirenji 83.82percent, Muzhwi 102.25 percent, Manyuchi 89.63percent, Bangala 55.94 percent, Mushandike 86.80 percent, Bindangombe 95.16percent and they are all used for irrigation purposes.
A number of small sized dams which include Makonese, Banga, Turamura, Muteri, Makwi, Turamura, Gozho, Mabvute are already full.
Most major dams have reached their full water capacity level in a range of 90- 100percent.
