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Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Correspondent
THE construction of Kunzvi Dam, which is seen as a long-term solution to Harare’s water woes, is expected to start next year after Government committed to funding the project.

A feasibility study for the much-awaited US$680 million project has already been completed. Government recently indicated it had secured funds to construct the dam.

The construction of Kunzvi Dam has suffered numerous setbacks since the 1990s, with many bidders failing to land the multi-million dollar contract.

It is expected that once completed, the dam will ease water problems faced by residents of Harare, Chitungwiza, Ruwa and Norton.

“This is a welcome development as far as solving the water problem in the city is concerned, but l must hasten to say that we need more. The city supplies water to satellite towns such as Chitungwiza, Norton, Epworth and Ruwa,” he said.

Clr Mupamawonde said the city was also looking at the possibility of drawing water from Mupfure River, 100 kilometres away from Harare en-route Chegutu.

Renowned town planner Mr Percy Toriro is on record saying the construction of Kunzvi Dam was the solution to Harare’s perennial water shortages.

Kunzvi Dam, to be built at the confluence of Nyaguwe and Nora rivers in Goromonzi District, falls in a different catchment area from Chivero, Manyame, Seke and Harava dams that derive their water from Manyame River.

The then Department of Water Development proposed the idea of the construction of a new reservoir on Nyaguwe River to serve Harare and its satellite towns in 1996.