Dam water levels continue to decline

Harare, October 18, 2019 (New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) said on Friday average dam levels in the country stood at 54.8 percent as on Friday, a decline from 60 percent usually recorded during this time of the year.

Established in 2000, Zinwa has the mandate of managing water for the State as well as ensuring sustainable development and equitable distribution of the country’s water resources to all Zimbabweans at an affordable price.

In its weekly update, Zinwa said dam levels were declining as the summer season got hotter and drier.

“These conditions usually lead to an upsurge in water use. Water users are advised to use the limited available water very sparingly under the circumstances,” it said.

Mazvikadeyi Dam in Banket, about 120 kilometres north west of Harare at 82.2 percent had the highest levels, followed by Manyame (formerly Darwendale dam) 81.4 percent and Mazowe 55 percent respectively.

Dams with some of the lowest water levels included the almost dry Harava dam at 0.5 percent, Upper Ncema has 3 percent water and Seke Dam is at 2 percent.

Zimbabwe was last year hit by a drought, recording lower than usual rainfall, which affected water levels in most water sources.

The crisis also hit the country’s source of hydro-power, Kariba Dam, estimated to be carrying below 20 percent of water usable for generation as of this Monday compared to over 80 percent during the comparable period last year.

According to a rainfall forecast released last month, Zimbabwe is expected to receive normal rains with a bias towards below normal throughout the 2019/20 season.

New Ziana