Harare, (New Ziana) – In a major leap towards transforming agriculture and improving water security, the construction of Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East Province is steadily advancing, with 60 percent of the work now complete.
The dam is poised to irrigate at least 500 hectares of land for surrounding communities, signaling a powerful new chapter for farming and food security in the region.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), Marjorie Munyonga said the ambitious project is one of the country’s flagship water infrastructure developments targeted for completion in 2025.
Kunzvi Dam is being built on the Nyagui River, which borders Murehwa and Goromonzi districts, and its strategic location is set to benefit a wide cross-section of rural and urban residents alike.
In addition to its significant irrigation potential, the dam is designed to supply clean water to the ever-growing Juru Growth Point, Cross and Musami Business Centres, and Majuru Business Centre in Goromonzi.
It is also expected to play a pivotal role in easing water shortages in Harare, especially in the capital’s eastern suburbs.
“The construction of Kunzvi Dam is progressing remarkably well. This critical piece of infrastructure is not just a water source — it is a development catalyst that will support both agriculture and urban growth,” Munyonga said.
She said ongoing works at the site are extensive and involve several complex engineering processes.
These include core material backfilling and fill placing operations on both the dam’s left bank and the riverbed.
So far, a cumulative 734,890 cubic meters of core material has been placed on the left bank, alongside 521,970 cubic meters of fill. On the riverbed, 60,430 cubic meters of fill and 121,760 cubic meters of core material have already been laid.
Work on the outlet structures is also well underway.
“This includes steel fixing on the D Tunnel, formwork placement on the overt panels, and concrete curing on tunnel walls — all of which are vital components of the dam’s functionality,” Munyonga said.
Additionally, excavation on the spillway has progressed, with 29,240 cubic meters of material removed to date.
Activities at the site also include the continuous excavation and hauling of both core and fill material from designated burrow areas, known as Areas A and F.
ZINWA is also attending to the social impact of the project.
“The construction of new houses for families affected by the spillway’s development has started in Matete Village,” said Munyonga, underscoring the authority’s commitment to minimizing displacement hardships.
New Ziana
