The Government of Zimbabwe is adopting a new style of dam construction in Zimbabwe. This new style includes power generation, water purification, irrigation, and fisheries from a single dam. Currently, this type of dam is being constructed in the Guruve district in a community called Kachuta in Dande.
Additionally, the designs are proceeding well with a capacity of 160 million cubic meters being the target. It will hold enough water to irrigate at least 4 000 hectares of land while producing 3,6 megawatts of energy. The multipurpose of dams such as this will enable communities to benefit more from a single dam.
Benefits of Dande dam construction in Zimbabwe
Moreso, there will be construction of a 200-hectare irrigation system. This is a critical economic facilitator for rural development. This new style of dam construction in Zimbabwe will ensure irrigation throughout the year. Furthermore, it will be possible to plant winter crops. It will also ensure that even during a drought, communities can still plant and harvest their crops. This will improve food security in this rural community. Also, it will help them financially when they sell their crops.
Additionally, Dande is a Communal Land in the Guruve District in Mashonaland Central. It is in the extreme north of Zimbabwe in the Zambezi Valley sharing a border with Mozambique. It is close to Manyame river and Mashumbi pools and airport. The dam will also aid with agritourism.
Also, there will be a purifying facility for the community’s clean drinking water. Potable water is a challenge in Zimbabwe, and this will alleviate the burden on locals. Additionally, a fishing component will improve the local economy. Locals will sell fish to tourists and nearby communities. This smart way of dam construction in Zimbabwe in Kachuti will improve the lives of the locals. It will raise the standard of living, translating to improved socio-economic status.
Tugwi-Mukosi Dam
Moreover, the dam will offer electricity to the people throughout the development process and the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam is an example of what it will be like. Tugwi-Mukosi dam follows the same style of dam construction in Zimbabwe as the Dande dam. Moreso, the Masvingo-Province dam offers tourism, irrigation, fish supply, water for domestic use and other benefits. There is talk of constructing a hydro power station to provide electricity for the province.
Also, according to Dr. Masuka, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Vision 2030 is impossible if women and girls continue to endure water scarcity. He claimed that if dam construction in Zimbabwe fails, boreholes would be placed in each village. The Tugwi-Mukosi dam is making the lives of women and girls easier. They can access water for laundry, bathing, dishes and other household activities.
Also, Dr. Masuka went on to say that those who live near dams with fertile soil will benefit immensely. This must be turned into productivity, or they would be evacuated.
