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Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter

With interior dams now holding 93,5 percent of their total capacity, there is sufficient water for this year’s winter cropping season, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority has said.

In a statement yesterday, Zinwa spokesperson Ms Marjorie Munyonga said the national dam level was 93,5 percent as at Wednesday last week.

“As the rainy season winds up, Zinwa wishes to advise farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector that there is sufficient water in the dams for winter cropping and early summer irrigation activities,” she said.

“As of March 8, 2023, the national dam level average was 93,5 percent, with the major dams across the country holding enough water to irrigate a total of 241 624ha. The hectarage is higher than the 239 289ha which the water held in the dams was capable of irrigating during the same period last year.” 

Mrs Munyonga said Masvingo Province, home to the country’s top two water bodies,  Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi, has the highest total irrigable land, with dams in the province holding water enough to irrigate 131 250ha, followed by Manicaland, whose dams have water sufficient to irrigate 30 423ha.

Mashonaland West dams can irrigate 28 895 hectares, Midlands dams 20 645ha, Mashonaland Central dams 14 689ha, Matabeleland South dams 10 357ha, Mashonaland East dams 2 324ha and Matabeleland North dams 3 042ha.

“In view of this development, Zinwa is appealing to all individuals and organisations intending to draw water from Zinwa-managed dams in the upcoming irrigation season to start work on obtaining water abstraction agreements,” said Mrs Munyonga.

“In terms of the Water Act, anyone using water for purposes other than primary purposes should have a water abstraction agreement.” 

Statutory Instrument 206 of 2001 compels everyone using water from Zinwa managed dams to have an agreement with the Authority.

“The individuals intending to draw water from Zinwa-managed dams are advised to visit their nearest Zinwa catchment or service centre offices for assistance,” said Mrs Munyonga. 

“Water abstraction agreements allow Zinwa to reserve water allocations for holders in the dams for their use during the irrigation season.

“The agreements also make it possible for Zinwa to predict water use patterns during the irrigation season and to efficiently allocate the available water amongst the competing users.”

In determining their water requirements for the season, farmers are advised to work closely with their extension officers or any other competent individuals to determine their water requirements for the season so as to avoid understating or overstating their requirements.