By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The construction of Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East Province is making significant strides, with approximately 60 percent of the project now complete. The dam is set to revolutionize agriculture and enhance water security in the region, benefiting surrounding communities through irrigation and water supply.
The dam, built on the Nyagui River bordering Murehwa and Goromonzi districts, aims to irrigate at least 500 hectares of land and provide clean water to key urban centers, including Juru Growth Point, Cross, Musami, and Majuru Business Centre in Goromonzi. It is also expected to help alleviate water shortages in Harare, particularly in its eastern suburbs.
In a statement on Wednesday, Marjorie Munyonga, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), emphasized the project’s importance.
“The construction of Kunzvi Dam is progressing remarkably well. This critical piece of infrastructure is not just a water source — it is a development catalyst that will support both agriculture and urban growth,” Munyonga said.
Munyonga detailed the extensive engineering work underway, including core material backfilling and fill placing on both the dam’s left bank and the riverbed. To date, 734,890 cubic meters of core material have been placed on the left bank, with 521,970 cubic meters of fill also laid. On the riverbed, 60,430 cubic meters of fill and 121,760 cubic meters of core material have been installed.
Work on the outlet structures is progressing, with steel fixing on the D Tunnel, formwork placement on overt panels, and concrete curing on tunnel walls all ongoing. Excavation activities on the spillway have removed 29,240 cubic meters of material so far, and excavation and hauling of materials continue from designated areas.
ZINWA is also addressing the social impacts of the project, including the construction of new housing for families displaced by spillway development.
“The construction of new houses for families affected by the spillway’s development has started in Matete Village,” Munyonga added, reflecting the authority’s commitment to minimizing displacement hardships.
Targeted for completion in 2025, the Kunzvi Dam is viewed as a vital infrastructure project that will bolster Zimbabwe’s agricultural productivity and water resilience, supporting both rural development and urban growth in the region.