Editorial Comment: Byo water scheme best value for money
Gwayi-Shangani Dam
Bulawayo’s water problems are now in sight of solution, with just another two years of rationing and shortages to cope with before 450 million litres of clean water starts flowing every day down the Gwayi-Bulawayo pipeline.
Government’s commitments were stressed last week by President Mnangagwa when he broke the ground for the pipeline that will lead from the new Gwayi-Shangani Dam now being built at the northern edge of the escarpment in Matabeleland North that will impound 650 million cubic metres of water when full, making it the third largest interior lake in Zimbabwe and holding enough water even in drought years to keep Bulawayo liquid.
By Bulawayo Correspondent
THE government has allocated $535 million towards the construction of the long awaited 245km long Gwayi-Shangani pipeline which will seek to end Bulawayo’s perennial water challenges.
The pipeline is set for completion in December next year.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Epping Forest boreholes in Nyamandlovu, Matabeleland North province Thursday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the mammoth project will be undertaken by various local contractors.
“Government has allocated $535 million towards the commencement of work on the 245-kilometre-long Gwayi-Shangani to Bulawayo pipeline whose completion is expected by December 2022. This marks the much awaited commencement of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project,” he said.
President to commission Epping Forest water project
Bulawayo Bureau
TODAY marks another milestone achievement by Government as it moves to find a lasting solution to Bulawayo’s perennial water crisis and transform the lives of residents.
President Mnangagwa arrived in Bulawayo yesterday evening ahead of the Gwayi-Shangani pipeline ground-breaking ceremony as well as the commissioning of the Epping Forest boreholes in Nyamandlovu.
Bulawayo has since 2019 been grappling with probably its worst water shortage in history largely due to the effects of climate change and depleting water levels at its supply dams located in Matabeleland South.
Epping Forest in Nyamandlovu is one of the key water projects undertaken by Government to address critical water challenges in Bulawayo.
Dam infrastructure projects top Government's 2021 focus chronicle.co.zw - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chronicle.co.zw Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Dam building gets top priority herald.co.zw - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from herald.co.zw Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.