Rains boost dam water levels

Harare(New Ziana)-Average dam water levels in the country now stand at 48.7 percent after most dams recorded gains in the ongoing wet spell being experienced in most areas, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) said on Thursday.

In an update, Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Marjorie Munyonga said water levels in the country’s major dams had risen by 0.66 percent.

“Water levels in the country’s major dams have slightly risen following the rains that have been received in many parts of the country in recent days. As of January 13, 2020, the national dam level average had risen by 0, 66 percent to 48,7 percent since January 6, 2020.

“Major gains were recorded in Gwayi Catchment, whose dam level average rose by 3 percent to 40, 8 percent, Manyame Catchment, whose average rose by 2, 7percent to 75, 3 percent, Sanyati Catchment whose dam level average rose by 1, 2 percent to 48, 3 percent while Mazowe Catchment had a dam level average of 74, 4 percent. Save Catchment’s dam level average stood at 53, 6 percent, Mzingwane Catchment 45, 3 percent and Runde Catchment 38, 9 percent,” she said.

According to the Meteorological Services Department, most parts of Zimbabwe have received considerable rains in recent days, with areas such as Murehwa in Mashonaland East province recording 137 mm of rainfall in 24 hours.

The department has predicted that the rains will persist until Saturday.

Munyonga, however said despite the improvements in dam water levels, the water situation in the country remains worrisome as the national dam level average expected during this time of the year is at least 64 percent.

“Zinwa continues to urge all water users across the board to continue conserving the limited available water so that the resource can be stretched further.

“All those using raw water from Zinwa managed dams, for purposes other than primary purposes, are advised to ensure that their use is in accordance with the requirements of the Water Act which makes it mandatory for such users to be in possession of water abstraction agreements, which they enter into with Zinwa. Those without the relevant agreements are advised to approach their respective catchment offices,” she said.

New Ziana