At least 56 households in Insiza South face relocation to pave the way for the construction of the Bopoma Glassblock Dam, with affected families being told to prepare to leave their homes.
The families were informed of the planned relocations during a community meeting held on Tuesday at Gangabezi Business Centre, attended by village heads, councillors, contractor representatives and community members.
Village head Sydney Mthuthuki Mkhwananzi of Asibambaneni village said 51 of the affected households fall under village head Chrisbert Ndlovu, while five are from his jurisdiction.
Mkhwananzi said residents were instructed to begin looking for alternative land nearby, with authorities indicating relocations would remain within the local area.
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“Villagers were told that they can look for places to stay nearby. They will not relocate them far,” he said.
He said officials had assured families that replacement houses would be built to ensure displaced residents are not left without shelter.
Affected villagers were also told they could continue cultivating their fields during the current agricultural season to reduce disruption to livelihoods.
Chief Bekezela Sibasa said the number of households expected to be affected had increased significantly from earlier estimates.
“We were told that about 10 households would be affected and I had suggested that these people be allocated stands nearby so that they can continue benefiting from fishing at Zhulube Dam,” he said.
Chief Sibasa said authorities had promised to build standard houses for displaced families.
He added that families wishing to exhume and relocate the remains of deceased relatives would be allowed to do so.
The dam, in the Upper Umzingwane catchment, is expected to hold about 130 million cubic metres of water, making it Bulawayo’s second-largest supply dam after Insiza Dam. Once completed, it is projected to supply around 68 million litres of water per day to Bulawayo through a pipeline connected to the Ncema water system.
The project is seen as a major intervention to address Bulawayo’s long-running water shortages. The city has endured years of water-shedding caused by drought, falling dam levels and rising demand.
Despite the relocation notices, uncertainty remains over when full-scale construction will begin, as officials did not provide a clear timeline during the meeting.
Although preliminary planning is underway, construction is expected to begin once financing and contractual processes are finalised, with completion projected within two to three years.
Ward One councillor Peter Mwanza could not be reached for comment.
Further consultations with affected residents are expected as authorities work on relocation logistics.
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