Harare,  (New Ziana) – In a promising development for the
country, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has reported that
the national average dam level has surged to 70.9 percent as of January
22, 2025.

This marks a notable increase from 69.3 percent just two days prior,
reflecting the positive impact of recent rainfall received across
various regions of the country.

In a statement on Thursday, Tsungirirai Shoriwa, the ZINWA stakeholder
relations officer, highlighted the significance of then rise.

“The current rains continue to drive dam levels up, significantly
boosting the country’s water security status,” he said.

The development is vital as the country navigates the challenges posed
by climate variability and water scarcity.

Several key dams have reached full capacity, including Exchange, Zhovhe,
Ngwenya, Manyuchi, Pollards, Tokwane, Masholomoshe, Matezva, Lower
Mguza, Tshongokwe, Chiwake, and Shangani.

Additionally, substantial gains were recorded in other critical water
bodies, such as Mtshabezi, Sebakwe, Insukamini, Karoi, Mazowe,
Bubi-Lupane, Mgululu, Biri, Arcadia, Mangwe, Ingwizi, Bangala, and
Ngezi.

The current rainy season is expected to further enhance water levels,
providing a much-needed boost to the agricultural sector and overall
water availability.

With the agricultural calendar in full swing, the increase in dam levels
is particularly timely for summer crop irrigation.

However, ZINWA has urged stakeholders drawing water from these dams for
non-primary purposes to adhere strictly to established water abstraction
agreements.

“For the efficient planning and sustainable utilization of the available
water resources, it is imperative that all users comply with the law,”
Shoriwa said.

New Ziana