BULAWAYO – The national dam storage levels continue to decrease with Harare Metropolitan Province experiencing the biggest drop, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has said.
In its latest water security report, the ministry said erratic rainfall patterns across the country had not improved the water levels.
“The national dam storage levels continue to decline despite the rainfall activities in some parts of the country during the week.
“The levels reduced from 80,4 percent full on the 20th of October 2022 to 79,4 percent full as at the 27th of October 2022.
“The reduction constitutes 1,0 percent and the average levels expected at this time of the year is 61,8 percent.
“Harare Metropolitan Province recorded the biggest drop in provincial levels during the week with 4,8 percent followed by Midlands Province with (-1,4percent).
“Other provinces which recorded higher percentage reductions are Mashonaland East with (-1,3 percent), Matabeleland North with ( -1,2percent), Matabeleland South (-1,1percent) and Mashonaland Central (-1,1percent).”
The ministry said it was anticipating more significant rainfall activities in the coming weeks to boost the dam levels.
Water for domestic use has remained available.
“Water availability for domestic supply remained positive with 44,7 percent of the urban centres having raw water supply lasting for at least 21 months, 42,6 percent of the centres with less than 12 months of raw water supply.
“Rural water security for domestic and cattle watering is low at this time of the year with the onset of the inflow season expected to bring reprieve to the situation.
‘Interventions such as borehole drilling, and rehabilitation remain the main quick-win options to be water shortages.” reads the report.
The ministry notes that construction at the Gwayi-Shangani dam resumed following a 2-month suspension due to payments challenges.
The dam is expected to enhance distribution of treated water to the city of Bulawayo.
