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Daniel Chigunwe
Mash Central Correspondent
The completion of the Semwa Dam project in Rushinga is expected to bring an end to perennial water challenges that are experienced in the district.

Speaking on the sidelines of a recent tour of Semwa Dam site in Rushinga, legislator Cde Tendai Nyabani applauded Government’s commitment towards the speeding up of the construction which will capacitate ongoing projects like Chimhanda Irrigation Scheme.

“The completion of the dam is going to address the issue of  water shortages as irrigation water will be available all year round. Other spin-offs include the nutritional benefits from fish and green vegetables.

“Cash availability to the community, town development and intensive land use are some of the major benefits the dam is going to offer this district,” said Cde Nyabani.

The dam, which has a capacity of sustaining about 12 000ha of irrigation land, is expected to be complete by 2023.

Rushinga district information officer Mr Kudakwashe Vhenge said the project is estimated to cost $3,4 billion..

“The Semwa Dam project is wholly funded by the Government of Zimbabwe through Treasury. The project was allocated $750 million in 2021 and the total estimated cost is  $3,4 billion.

“During a recent tour, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Anxious Masuka promised to speed up the project, which is now at 40 percent completion, to at least be completed by December 2022,” said Mr Vhenge.