Zinwa warns communities downstream of dams

Bridget Mabanda

As the country braces for Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which was expected to affect Eastern and Southern parts of the country starting yesterday, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Corporate Communications and Marketing Department people to be alert as most dams in the affected areas are expected to fill up and spill.

In a statement, Zinwa said some dams in areas where the Cyclone is expected to have an impact are already full and spilling.

This implies that in order to create storage space for the envisaged inflows and to alleviate any potential loss or damage to dam infrastructure, Zinwa may need to release water from some of the already filled-up dams, thereby increasing river flows downstream.

“While prior warnings will be given ahead of the releases; communities downstream of dams are advised to be on very high alert, to desist from crossing flooded rivers and to ensure that all water abstraction equipment along river channels is either removed or adequately secured,” reads the statement in part.

Zinwa said it will continue to advise its stakeholders of any new developments as they occur.