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Government is planning to float a bond to raise money to complete the construction of the Tokwe-Mukosi dam and other water bodies in the country

Government plans to float a bond for the completion of the $200 million Tokwe-Mukosi dam, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has said.
Minister Kasukuwere said the bond will also be targeted at mobilising funds for the completion of other water bodies in the country.
The critical work in terms of dam construction has been done, however there is a balance owing to the contractor, Italian firm Salini Impregilo.
“We will be on the market soon for the Tokwe-Mukosi bond. We have already chosen the brokers that will roll out the instrument.

The mobilised funds will be used for the completion of Tokwe Mukosi dam as well as other dams in the country that need to be completed. This will go a long way in alleviating the water challenges that we are currently facing,” he said.

The Tokwe Mukosi dam is one of the major projects undertaken and supported through the Budget since 2010 with, so far, a cumulative fiscal support level of $163 million.

The remaining works necessary for completion of this project is estimated to require $38,5 million. Furthermore, outstanding certificates for work already done amounting to $81,5 million will also be paid.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa last week said Government has ample funds to complete critical works at Tokwe-Mukosi before the onset of the rains.
To date, 15 out of 42 slabs to protect the dam wall have been installed with the aim of completing the work before the rainy season starts.

Minister Chinamasa said Government is engaged to the cash flow requirements to cater for critical works that need to be undertaken before onset of the next rains, that way guaranteeing the safety of the dam wall structure.

The critical works are estimated to cost $13 million, and, already an amount of $4,5 million has been disbursed after June 2014 to cover works under this programme.

Minister Kasukuwere who recently toured the dam has called on Independent Power Producers (IPP) to take advantage of the opportunity to run the mini-hydro power plant that will be stationed at the dam.

The power plant is expected to generate 12MW which will be fed into the national grid. Allied benefits expected to come from the project include irrigation to support agricultural activities and fisheries.

The dam will also promote tourism activities in the ancient city as a hotel is expected to be built near the water body.
The dam will be 90.3m (296ft) when complete, with a holding capacity of 1,8 billion cubic meters, making it the largest inland water body in the country. — Wires.