MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-As the ongoing wet spell continues to drench most parts of the country, water levels in Zimbabwe’s major dams have increased significantly, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has said.
In a statement released on January 18, 2025, ZINWA’s Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Marjorie Munyonga, reported that the national dam level average had risen to 65.1%, a 4.04% increase since January 10, 2025.
The Manyame Catchment currently has the highest dam level average at 72.2%, followed by the Runde Catchment at 71.6%.
Other catchments have also seen improvements, with Gwayi Catchment at 67.2%, Mzingwane Catchment at 66.2%, and Save Catchment at 44.2%.
“The current wet spell being experienced in most parts of the country continues to push water levels in major dams up as most rivers draining to dams are now in full flow,” Munyonga said.
Several dams, including Lungwala, Moza, Tuli-Makwe, Masholomoshe, Silalabuhwa, Hama, Lower Zibagwe, Nyawa, Exchange, Pollards, Antelope, Shangani, and Ngwenya, have either filled up or are currently spilling.
However, Munyonga cautioned that the national dam level average remain lower than the expected 78% during this time of the year.
She urged water users to use the available resource efficiently and sustainably, particularly those drawing water from the dams for purposes other than primary uses, such as summer crop irrigation.
“All those drawing water from the dams for purposes other than primary purposes, including for summer crop irrigation, should ensure that their water use is in terms of water abstraction agreements in accordance with the law,” Munyonga said.
