The government has been urged to rehabilitate and maintain supply dams in both rural and urban areas to maximise rainwater harvesting and storage.
Zimbabwe has endured a severe dry spell over the past two years, induced by El Niño. However, despite the improved rainfall this year, concerns have arisen over the loss of large amounts of water through surface runoff.
Thandazani Mkhwananzi, an agricultural technical expert from ORAP, explained how the government can utilize catchment management to extend dam lifespans and improve water collection during the rainy season.
“There is a need to rehabilitate or replace dams that have silted up. When a dam is constructed, a process called catchment management is implemented, where a site is selected, and conservation measures are put in place to ensure the dam’s longevity,” Mkhwananzi explained.
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“This catchment management should be maintained throughout the dam’s lifespan. In the past, strict bylaws were enforced against streambank cultivation, particularly in rural areas. However, in urban areas, we also need regulations to prevent illegal mining activities near dams. Investing in catchment management is essential.”
Mkhwananzi also emphasised that in rural areas, farmers and community members are encouraged to adopt various techniques to reduce surface water runoff.
“In rural areas, farmers are advised to use techniques such as infiltration pits, contour plowing, tied ridges, and mulching. These methods are effective in retaining water in the soil and minimizing its loss through evaporation,” he said.
“In urban areas, the government and local authorities can implement strategies to collect and conserve rainwater from an agricultural perspective. For instance, parks could make use of runoff water.
“We need innovative solutions from our municipal engineers to capture surface runoff from paved roads and store it in underground tanks. This water can then be used for irrigation in parks and other public spaces.”
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