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Victor Maphosa-Mash East Bureau

CONSTRUCTION of Chivhu Dam in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East, is now 98,2 percent complete, and already the dam is capturing water for use by the residents of Chivhu and irrigation downstream.

With raw water assured for the town, Government, after realising the plight of Chivhu community, built a modern and bigger 450 cubic metre per hour water treatment plant which is now operational and delivering water to Chivhu town.

The contractor is now making final touches on the dam to pave way for its commissioning which is expected this year. It has a holding capacity of 26 million cubic meters.

Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Mrs Marjorie Munyonga said most of the major works at the dam are now complete.

“Construction of Chivhu Dam continues to progress well with the project now 98,2 percent complete and at this stage, the dam is already impounding water. 

“Most of the major works are now complete except for works on the intake tower, the spillway sill and some minor works at the irrigation scheme.

“A total of 90 hectares are under summer crop at the Chivhu irrigation scheme which is being developed as part of the project.

“The bigger and modern water treatment plant that was also constructed under the project is now operational and already delivering water to Chivhu Town. Only a few touch-ups to improve the ambience of the water treatment plant are outstanding,” Mrs Munyonga said.

Chivhu Dam is a zoned earth-fill dam whose main purpose is to supply water for the expanding Chivhu Town but will also irrigate up to 120 hectares. Mines around Chivhu town will also be getting water.

Chivhu town is home to an estimated 12 000 inhabitants, and it is still growing.