By Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo

GWANDA – THE 800, 000 m3 Gungwe Dam, which was swept away by Cyclone Eline more than 16 years, is 70 percent complete, the contractor has confirmed.

Jimmy Goddard of JR Goddard Engineering Company, said the current works done had a carrying capacity of 800 mega litres.

“Gungwe Dam works are progressing very well and we are at 70 percent complete.

“I believe that J R G should complete the dam works before Saturday November 30, 2024.

“The team on the ground raised the main dam wall and its sides, which were destroyed by the cyclone years back,” said Goddard.

The re-construction of the dam started barely two months ago and has brought smiles to Gungwe villagers and others from surrounding villages as the work force is drawn from local people.

The dam was swept away in 2016 and villagers have been advocating for the resuscitation of the dam wall. After eight years of crying foul the Government awarded JRG to reconstruct the dam.

The initiative has restored the hopes of villagers who had given up and abandoned their gardens and other projects due to lack of water.

The reconstruction of the dam comes at a right time, after families have struggling to cope under the El-Ñino induced drought.

For Levson Marupi from Mangweni Village said they were happy that the dam was going to empower the entire community.

“After the unfortunate incident that happened to our dam, we were left devastated and our hopes were shattered and we were the most affected by the drought, with this dry spell upon us and our area did not have water we were the most vulnerable village. Now our dam is being resuscitated we are happy and we pray that it comes to fruition in no time. We want to applaud our Member of Parliament Dr Omphile Marupi for speeding up this initiative. We are now praying that God can remember us because water is life,” said Levson Marupi.

Sithembile Makwaiba from Gungwe Village said she was happy to be employed in her home ground.

“I would like to thank this opportunity that was availed and to be employed by this company. With the majority of youths failing to find jobs, I would like to thank Mr Goddard, our MP Dr Marupi, and our local leadership for ensuring that we, as local people got jobs on this huge project.

“Of late, women were side-lined in these type of jobs, now we are happy that we can also work in this industry which was male-dominated. I can feed my children and the working environment is very good,” said Makwaiba.

Reason Ndlovu, another worker was also happy, asserting that it was a huge privilege to work at his door step.

“I am happy that my community is going to benefit from this dam after years of crying out. The fact that my work will be cherished by Gungwe and the entire Bolamba community gives me vibrancy and energy to work even harder.  I would like to thank this company and everyone who made this project,” said Ndlovu.

The reconstruction of the dam is one of Gwanda South of MP Dr Omphile Marupi’s manifesto and he is working a tirelessly to fulfill his promises.

“I am going to ensure that a number of dams are being resuscitated and with our listening I am going to ensure that I engage all department to come on board and ensure that our communities are not left behind.

“Gungwe has been facing challenges after their dam was swept away, and I have engaged the responsible authority and I am happy if work is being done for the benefit of our community,” said Dr Marupi.

The majority of Bolamba is set to benefit once the dam is completely reconstructed.

New Ziana