Delays in Disbursements Stall Completion of Lake G...

Delays in Disbursements Stall Completion of Lake Gwayi-Shangani Project

Zim Now Writer

The completion of the long-anticipated Lake Gwayi-Shangani project has been stalled due to delays in the disbursement of funds, with an additional US$48 million required to finalize construction by the end of 2025 through instalment injections of at least US$4 million per month.

Engineer Takudza Makwangudze, the director for engineering and hydrological services at the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, revealed this during a recent tour of the construction site by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Resettlement.

The lake, which has been under construction since 2017, is expected to provide a lasting solution to Bulawayo’s chronic water shortages while also supplying water to communities in Binga, Hwange, Lupane, and other areas along the pipeline route. However, financial constraints are hampering progress, with only 39 meters of the dam wall completed out of the required 72 meters.

According to Engineer Makwangudze, the project requires a consistent monthly disbursement of US$4 million to continue building the dam’s wall at a pace of two meters per month. Without this funding, the timeline for the project's completion remains uncertain.

“What I would want to say is that for this dam to be successfully completed, we need continuous disbursement of at least US$4 million every month. This will allow us to do two meters of the wall each month,” Makwangudze explained.

He stressed that if the required US$48 million is made available in time, the lake could begin impounding water by the end of 2025. However, completing all associated works, including the hydroelectric power plant and pump house, will push the overall budget to US$84 million.

Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, led by chairman Felix Maburutse, urged to be consistent in availing financial support when needed so as to fast track developments.

“We will also lobby Treasury as a committee to ensure that the required funds are released for the completion of the project,” said Maburutse.

Once complete, Lake Gwayi-Shangani is expected to transform the region, providing water for both urban and agricultural use across several districts. It will also serve as a key component of the broader National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, which aims to solve water shortages in the region and stimulate economic growth.

However, for these benefits to be realized, timely funding remains critical. As stakeholders push for consistent financial support, the future of the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project and the relief it promises remains tied to the country’s fiscal priorities.