Dam levels continue on a downward trend

ZIMBABWE NATIONAL WATER AUTHORITY

PRESS STATEMENT

DAM LEVELS UPDATE

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Water levels in the country’s dams remain depressed and continue on a downward trend. The decline is consistent with the high temperatures that are being experienced in most parts of the country and stoppage in river flows. Continued draw downs of water from the dams by local authorities and irrigating farmers also explain the drop in dam levels. The rainfall activity experienced in some parts of the country in the past days is yet to have any impact on the water situation. As at November 13, 2020, the national dam level average was 35, 6% with Manyame Catchment having the highest dam level average of 55, 8%. Gwayi Catchment had a dam level average of 29, 5%,, Mazowe Catchment 42%, Mzingwane Catchment 32, 1, Runde Catchment 31%, Sanyati Catchment 23, 2% and Save Catchment 36, 6%.

In view of this development, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) urges water users across the board to use the available water very sparingly and efficiently. Users are advised to constantly check their taps and irrigation systems for leakages and ensure that any leakages that are detected are rectified promptly. All raw water users drawing water for purposes other than primary purposes are also advised to ensure that their water use is in terms of water abstraction agreements as required under the Water Act. Any such use without the relevant water abstraction agreements constitutes a criminal offence and users are liable to prosecution.

Summary of major dams as at November 13, 2020

Dam	Catchment	Purpose	%full
Bubi-Lupane	Gwayi	Water Supply and Irrigation	36, 4
Ngwenya	Gwayi	Irrigation and Water Supply	47, 3
Insukamini	Gwayi	Irrigation and Water Supply	15, 5
Pollards	Gwayi	Irrigation and Water Supply	47, 3
Exchange	Gwayi	Irrigation and Water Supply	19
Chivero	Manyame	Irrigation and Water Supply	34, 7
Manyame	Manyame	Water Supply and Irrigation	54, 2
Harava	Manyame	Water Supply	00
Mazvikadei	Manyame	Irrigation and Mining	61, 5
Blockley	Manyame	Irrigation and Water Supply	16, 1
Karoi	Manyame	Water Supply and Irrigation	24, 6
Mazowe	Mazowe	Irrigation	21, 7
Kushinga-Phikhelela	Mazowe	Irrigation and Water Supply	53, 2
Masembura	Mazowe	Irrigation	100
Mtshabezi	Mzingwane	Irrigation and Water Supply	24, 3
Mzingwane	Mzingwane	Irrigation and Water Supply	2, 3
Upper Ncema	Mzingwane	Water Supply	1, 8
Lower Ncema	Mzingwane	Water Supply	1, 6
Zhovhe	Mzingwane	Irrigation	46, 3
Silalabuhwa	Mzingwane	Irrigation	40, 6
Inyankuni	Mzingwane	Water Supply	34, 8
Tugwi-Mukosi	Runde	Irrigation	29, 2
Bangala	Runde	Irrigation	24, 4
Manjirenji	Runde	Irrigation	36,9
Mutirikwi	Runde	Water Supply and Irrigation	23, 1
Muzhwi	Runde	Irrigation and Mining	26, 3
Gwenoro	Runde	Irrigation and Water Supply	17, 8
Sebakwe	Sanyati	Water Supply and Irrigation	15, 8
Claw	Sanyati	Irrigation and Water Supply	41, 4
Whitewaters	Sanyati	Water Supply	13, 5
Osborne	Save	Irrigation	32, 7
Siya	Save	Irrigation	47, 8
Wenimbi	Save	Water Supply and Irrigation	38, 1
Rusape	Save	Water Supply and Irrigation	52, 2
Ruti	Save	Irrigation	21, 5

MRS MARJORIE MUNYONGA

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER