Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project

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Gwayi-Shangani
Lake Kariba.jpg
Gwayi-Shangani
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Gwayi-Shangani
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Red pog.svg
Gwayi-Shangani
Coordinates 18°30′26″S27°11′22″E / 18.50722°S 27.18944°E / -18.50722; 27.18944
Type (project) reservoir
Catchment area 39,076 km2 (15,087 sq mi)
Basin  countries Zimbabwe
Max. depth70 m (230 ft)
Water volume634 million cubic metres (514,000 acre⋅ft)
Surface elevation817 m (2,680 ft)

The Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (MZWP) is an ambitious project being undertaken in the arid Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe.The project seeks to end the perennial water shortages bedevilling Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo by bringing water from the mighty Zambezi river to the city.

Contents

The project

The project can be classified as a major project. It is expected to cost US$600 million which is a huge investment by African standards. The project will consist of three phases as follows:

Phase one: Gwayi-Shangani Dam

The Gwayi-Shangani dam is the first phase of the MZWP and is the core of the project. Commenced in September 2004, it is expected to provide a reservoir for this project. The dam will be located about 6 km downstream of the confluence of the Gwayi River and Shangani River.

Dam type and description

Phase two: Gwayi-Shangani Dam to Bulawayo Pipeline

The envisaged pipeline will be 260 km. Construction of the pipeline is scheduled to be completed in 2022. In April 2021, the Government of Zimbabwe floated a tender for the construction of the pipeline.

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    Further reading