Zimpapers Reporters
The country has recorded an average dam level of 78 percent following heavy rainfall across the country, signalling a strong water security position for the country as the summer agricultural cropping season gets into full swing.
Some of the major dams have since recorded 100 percent full owing to continued rainfall, and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has cautioned communities downstream to be vigilant of possible flooding due to possible spilling of water.
“National average stands at 78 percent. Several dams are nearing full capacity following continued rainfall. Communities downstream are urged to remain alert,” said Zinwa in its update made available yesterday.
However, in Bulawayo, the water supply situation remains fragile despite a modest improvement in dam levels, with the City’s six supply dams collectively standing at 41,89 percent full as of 29 December 2025, according to the latest City of Bulawayo Dam Watch report.
According to the council, there is a notable improvement compared to the same period last year, when overall dam levels were at 25,89 percent, offering cautious optimism as the rainy season progresses.
On a positive side, the water utility’s national statistics also showed that Kunzvi dam construction, one of the Government’s prime projects together with Gwayi-Shangani, is now at 69 percent complete from its previously reported level of 65 percent.
“Water impoundments is underway. Once complete, it will store 158 million cubic metres, strengthening water supply, irrigation, and economic growth along the Harare-Goromonzi corridor,” said Zinwa.
Kunzvi Dam has been one of the Second Republic’s high-impact projects, which is expected to end Harare and the surrounding areas’ perennial water challenges.
Some of the notable dams that have received significant inflows include Tugwi Mukosi, which stands at 99,6 percent, Lake Mutirikwi at 83,5 percent, Manyame at 74,8 percent, Mtshabezi at 88,8 percent, Rusape at 77,7 percent, Osborne at 64,1 percent, Chivero at 58,9 percent, Siya dam at 80,1 percent, Bubi-Lupane at 72,7 percent, and Masembura at 90 percent.
Manyuchi Dam in Masvingo province and Zhovhe dams in Matabeleland South province are at 100 percent following significant rains recorded.
Zinwa has cautioned communities around Tugwi Mukosi dam against possible spilling.
“Lake Tugwi Mukosi water levels have risen to 99,6 percent as of 30 December 2025 due to continued rainfall. Spilling is possible if inflows persist. Downstream communities are advised to remain alert,” reads a notice from Zinwa.
Concerns have been raised about Mazowe dam levels, which currently stand at a paltry 9,1 percent.
It has been noted that some mining firms around the dam catchment area have diverted water streams feeding into the dam, resulting in subdued water levels coupled with riverbed mining activities by some unscrupulous mining firms.
Government has since banned river bed mining.
Writing on his X handle, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana said the Government was justified in banning river bed mining given what was happening in Mazowe.
He said in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, a district assessment team made up of representatives from Environmental Management Agency, District Development Coordinator, District Joint Operation Command, Forestry Commission, and Zinwa visited part of the Mazowe river in wards 6 and 7.
“What they saw vindicates the Government policy to ban alluvial gold mining. Four companies, including some owned by foreigners, have now been stopped from working on the site and heavy machinery like motorised excavators and washing plants have been removed from the riverbed,” said Mr Mangwana.
He said in Ward 7, two foreign-owned companies were fined and ordered to leave the area.
“They have since vacated with their heavy machinery. About 4 hectares were affected. At Kapondoro Village in ward 6, Mugodhi Investment, which was operating on the riverbed, was issued with tickets and was given an order by EMA to vacate the site. A total of 6 hectares were affected. The Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and engineers from Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, Zinwa, and the Zvataida Rural District Council, is now working on a programme to rehabilitate the Mazowe River,” said Mr Mangwana.
The Government has embarked on dam construction across the country to promote irrigation and as part of deliberate efforts to ensure food security, both at the household and national levels.
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