By Tafanana Kwedu

Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Prof. Mthuli Ncube says government has released ZWL360 million for the completion of Marovanyati Dam in Buhera, Manicaland Province.

The dam is expected to be a game changer in Buhera district by supplying the much needed water for irrigation, sustaining fishing and tourism projects as well other recreational activities.

Ncube said the dam will be completed soon.

“We have released ZWL360 for the completion of Marovanyati dam,” he said.

Constructed at the confluence of Dzarowa and Mwerihari rivers, the dam has capacity of 50 million cubic metres and is already sustaining Murambinda Irrigation Scheme and Murambinda Growth Point.

After years of deferment, the New Dispensation led by President Mnangagwa committed to complete the construction of the dam. The strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and China has seen implementation of various projects around the country.

The completion of Marovanyati Dam falls under the Government’s Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), which prioritizes quick-win projects in energy, water and sanitation, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), housing and transport. Focus is on expediting completion of on-going infrastructure projects such dams and roads.

A Chinese company, China Jiangxi, is the main contractor. Currently, the dam is holding 33 million cubic litres which supplies Murambinda Township and Irrigation Scheme.

Damming of rivers is one of the answers to climate change which has seen unpredictable weather patterns.