By Ndumiso Tshuma
The Bulawayo City Council has received official approval to begin construction of the long-awaited Glassblock Dam, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at alleviating the city’s chronic water shortages.
The dam, to be constructed on the Mzingwane River in Matabeleland South, is expected to hold approximately 14 million cubic metres of water. It is seen as a medium-term intervention to address Bulawayo’s deepening water crisis, which has left residents enduring frequent water rationing and shortages in recent years.
The Glassblock Dam project has been under discussion for several years but gained momentum last year when the government appointed a special technical team to collaborate with city officials and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Speaking during a full council meeting held on Wednesday at Bulawayo City Hall, Mayor David Coltart confirmed that Lands and Water Minister Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka had given the green light for the dam’s construction.
“The Minister of Lands and Water, Dr Masuka, has confirmed to me that he has approved the construction of the Glassblock Dam,” said Coltart. “As some of you are aware, our legal teams are now working flat out to finalise the necessary agreements so that this vital project can become a reality.”
The Glassblock Dam is expected to supplement existing water supply sources such as the Ncema, Insiza, Umzingwane, and Lower Ncema dams, many of which have struggled to meet the demands of Bulawayo’s growing population and frequent droughts.
Alongside infrastructure development, the mayor also announced efforts to improve international air connectivity. He revealed that discussions were held on the sidelines of the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mohammed Abdul Wahid.
“Ethiopian Airlines currently flies to Bulawayo four times a week. During meetings with the ambassador, he agreed to assist in persuading the airline to increase its frequency to daily flights,” Coltart said.
He noted that enhanced air connectivity would be a significant boost to the city’s economy.
“A daily flight would strengthen our ties not only with North East Africa but also with the Middle East, the Far East, and other destinations served by Ethiopian Airlines. This will support our ambitions to grow tourism and attract investment into Bulawayo.”