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Continuous rains in catchment areas: A solution to boost Bulawayo’s dams

As Bulawayo continues to face concerns over its dam levels, stakeholders believe the solution lies in continuous rainfall in the catchment areas.

As of Tuesday, January 14, 2025, global dam levels have shown a gradual increase of 6.67 percent.

This positive development comes amid reports that other dams in Matabeleland South, such as Tuli Makwe in Gwanda and Silalabuhwa dam in Insiza, have started spilling over.

However, the local authority has pointed to illegal mining as a key factor slowing the recovery of Bulawayo’s water reserves.

During a recent meeting with residents in Nkulumane, the Bulawayo Mayor addressed the issue, emphasizing the impact of illegal mining activities.

In an interview with CITE, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Chairperson of the Future Water Supplies Committee, Khalazani Ndlovu, said there is an urgent need for authorities to control illegal mining to help improve dam water levels.

“The main challenge I saw when visiting the dams are pits dug by illegal gold panners. If the relevant office can control that, we can harvest better.”

She also pointed out that the prolonged dry season and high temperatures have made it more difficult for water to flow into the dams. “It takes time for the water to really saturate so that those pits become full and spill to flow to the dams,” she said.

Ndlovu called for increased security in the catchment area to prevent illegal mining and safeguard water sources.

Meanwhile, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Matabeleland South Manager, Descent Ndlovu, shared similar concerns but expressed optimism due to increased rainfall intensity this year.

“Of course the catchment area might be affected, but I think this year something positive will happen in terms of water. We have a lot of water this time,” he said.

While acknowledging the impact of illegal mining, Ndlovu stressed that more rain could resolve many of the issues.

“In the Ncema catchment, yes, illegal mining exists but not as rife as below the dam wall, even in Nyankuni. The catchment area is not the same, but if we have more rains it will be better. Of course, we always continue to attribute this to illegal mining and the like, but Umzingwane river was flooded one day, so can we blame the pits? The catchment area is small; it hasn’t rained much in that area.”

He further explained that areas like Shangani, the confluence of Insiza river, and Inyankuni near eSigodini have not received sufficient rainfall, which could limit the overall water supply.

“There isn’t enough rain to fill those dams, but if there is rain, it will fill up those pits and the dams. That’s our worry too – illegal mining has caused land degradation along rivers, but if the rain increases, the only problem is the siltation we then experience.”

“I think it hasn’t rained much. If it rains in Shangani, the confluence of Insiza river, and then Inyankuni in the eSigodini area, there will be more water. Currently, it won’t be as plentiful as we expect from other areas,” said Ndlovu.

Despite these challenges, Ndlovu remains hopeful. “But maybe this year we will see an increase. These dams were built long ago when there was plenty of rain. If they fill up, we will have water for the next 10 years.”

“Yes, illegal mining causes significant degradation to a certain percentage, and that will affect the water quantity, but if it rains heavily, it will solve that, especially this year. Let’s pray that the rain being received in Gwanda also falls in that area, and then we will be happy,” said Ndlovu.

Lesley Moyo

I am a seasoned journalist and media professional with a rich background in media and communications. With over 15 years of experience across print, online, and broadcast journalism, I have honed my skills in various facets of media and communications including media research and training, writing and editing, media liaison, and communication strategies. Currently serving as the Editor for the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITEZW).

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