Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
THE installation of a 1 000 kilowatt solar plant at Semwa Dam, Mashonaland Central Province, has boosted construction works with the dam now 45 percent complete as the Second Republic steps up it’s modernisation and rural industrialisation efforts.
The dam is among critical climate proofing projects under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa in fulfillment of his policy of leaving no one and no place behind.
The contractor, Makomo Engineering has installed a solar plant that has seen the crushing of aggregates being carried out uninterrupted, unlike in the past where works would be affected by power outages.
It was a hive of activity when The Herald news team arrived at the site with the more than 250 employees busy at work.
The project is fully funded by the Government, with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority being the project manager superintending construction works.
In an interview, Zinwa assistant resident Engineer Francis Dzenga said the solar plant has helped in ensuring that there will be no work stoppage in crushing aggregates such as quarry.
“We need power to crush aggregates and with the installation of solar, we are working continuously in preparation for the super structure,” said Eng Dzenga.
He said they were still working on the dam foundation to ensure it is strong.
“Currently we are still on the main foundation whereby we are doing dental concrete works. We need to make our foundation level and uniform so that it can withstand the load of the structure which is a roller compacted concrete.”
For reinforcement, Eng Dzenga said they were using steel procured from Manhize.
“Besides the main dam works, we are also working on the spillway apron. The spillway apron is 12 blocks.
Of those 12, we have managed to complete seven of them. So, we will leave the space for water flow during the rain season.”
Turning on the benefits of the dam, Eng Dzenga said the project has already created employment for local villagers.
Located along Ruya River in the Masosone communal area between Maname mountain in Rushinga, Semwa dam is designed to be a vital lifeline for the semi arid area. It will be a major economic development
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