$250 million dam earmarked for Harare

HARARE – In a move that is expected to ease water woes in Harare, the capital is set to enter into a public private partnership to construct a $250 million dam in Gletwyn.

According to Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni the Gletwyn project is long overdue and needs urgent implementation. He, however, warned that Harare needed a sustainable long-term measure to curb the water shortages.

“The water situation in Harare and introduction of the water bowser system is just a measure that is meant to last until the dry season is over. With normal rains we expect to return to normal supply of water,” Manyenyeni said.

He added that the city had an infrastructure gap of more than 25 years and a design capacity that did not match the current trends, developments and growth in population.

In an interview with the Daily News, MDC shadow minister for Local Government Eddie Cross said the dam would provide water to the northern suburbs of Harare.

Harare City Council (HCC) has introduced a strict water rationing regime that has resulted in most suburbs going for days without water. Harare requires 800 megalitres (Ml) of water per day however, HCC can only supply 450 Ml.

According to Cross, the construction of the dam that is expected to take two years, will go a long way in addressing Harare’s water problems.

“The $250 million will include dam construction, water treatment plant and pipelines. We have shown some interests in a South Korean firm which we may likely partner with on the project,” Cross said.

According to a Harare water supply dams report for August, using Lake Chivero as the sole source of water, Harare had 164 days or five months of supply left.

Source: Daily News