Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has commissioned two state-of-the-art hydrological gauging stations along the Matanho and Musirizwi Rivers in Chimanimani and Chipinge Districts, Manicaland, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance climate resilience in rural communities.
In a statement on Sunday, ZINWA’s Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Ms. Majorie Munyonga, said the new installations mark a major leap in river flow monitoring and data collection.
“These modern gauging stations will revolutionise hydrological data collection by providing real-time information crucial for managing water resources, disaster prevention, and supporting smallholder farmers,” she said.
The stations, positioned upstream of Mhakwe Dam and along the Musirizwi River, automatically record river flow data every 15 minutes and transmit it to central servers every two hours—a significant improvement from outdated manual systems previously in use.
Additional installations have also been completed downstream of Tugwi-Mukosi, Muzhwi Dam, and upstream of Manyuchi, Bindangombe, Antelope, and Masholomoshe Dams, as well as at Birchenough Bridge.
Another station is planned for the Mankonkoni River.
Ms. Munyonga highlighted that the project plays a critical role in supporting smallholder farmers who rely on accurate climate information for agricultural planning.
“By strengthening data-driven decision-making, these systems will help communities adapt to climate change impacts such as floods and droughts, ultimately protecting livelihoods,” she added.
Under the ZINWA Act, the authority is mandated to collect hydrological data, conduct water research, and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
This initiative, backed by international partners, is expected to significantly improve the country’s ability to respond to climate variability while promoting sustainable water management.
New Ziana
