Tuli-Manyange Dam set to transform Mat South

Construction work at Tuli-Manyange Dam is progressing well

Zim Now Writer

The construction of the Tuli-Manyange Dam in Gwanda, which is about 33 percent complete, is expected to transform the lives of thousands of households as it will not only solve their water woes but also spur economic activity thus enhancing food security.

With a holding capacity of 35 million cubic metres, the Tuli-Manyange Dam, whose completion has been scheduled for December 2023, is expected to provide raw water for irrigation purposes, providing relief to the arid Matabeleland South Province.

The project is implemented by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority while China International Water and Electric Corporation have been contracted to do civil works.

Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Marjorie Munyonga said the construction has been progressing well.

“The project was allocated ZWL$1.79 billion in the 2023 budget. The dam is now 33 percent complete,” she said, adding that construction of the coffer dams at the sight was now complete.

A coffer dam is a temporary barrier in or around a body of water which allows the process of de-watering, diversion, or damming of water within an enclosed area.

“The construction of the coffer dam is now complete and the coffer dam is already supplying water to the construction site and surrounding communities. Main dam foundations excavations are in progress and are now 70 percent complete while two investigation shafts have since been plugged.

“Also underway is the marking of the dam’s high flood level on both the left and right banks. The marking is now at 60 percent with the construction of access roads also nearing completion at 80 percent. The excavation of saddle dams 1 and 2 cut-off trenches is now complete, so is the grouting of both saddle dams.

“A total of 12 000 cubic metres of concrete aggregates and 20 000 cubic meters of river sand have been stockpiled in anticipation of concrete works,” Munyonga said.