Construction of the 26-kilometre Muchekeranwa water pipeline has begun, bringing hope to residents and farmers in Marondera, Chitungwiza, and surrounding areas facing persistent water shortages.
The pipeline, which will deliver up to 30 million litres of water per day, is expected to ease pressure on Wenimbe Dam, where water levels have dropped significantly in recent years.
ZINWA resident engineer, Mr Joel Mbatha, said the project comprises three pump stations along the route.
“The scope of this project is that it has three pump stations, with the first one located here at the Muchekeranwa Dam, while the second one is 10km away at Two Boy Shopping Centre, with the last at Wenimbe Dam. Upon completion, the pipeline will be moving 30 million litres per day,” he said.
Farmers in the region have welcomed the development. AGRITEX Mashonaland East Provincial Head, Nobert Masiiwa, said many irrigation schemes had struggled due to low water levels at Wenimbe Dam.
“As Agritex, we are quite excited about this project, as most of our farmers who rely on Wenimbe Dam for water have been facing challenges because the water levels have been very low,” he said.
Marondera East legislator, Hon. Vimbai Mutokonyi, said the project would benefit communities along the pipeline route.
“As Marondera East, we are set to be the biggest beneficiaries, as most of our communities will draw water from the pipeline from here until we get to Wenimbe, where there are several irrigation schemes,” she said.
Community members also praised the project’s potential impact on agriculture and youth development.
“This is a game-changer, as the water from the pipeline is set to boost our irrigation along the way, especially in the Wenimbe area, where water levels in the dam are very low, affecting production,” said one villager.
“As the youths, we can now do our own projects using water from this dam, and this is set to transform our lives and take us away from drug and substance abuse,” added another.
The project is expected to improve food security and unlock opportunities for commercial and small-scale farmers, while addressing long-standing water supply concerns in the region.
