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.
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
Phase two: Gwayi-Shangani Dam to Bulawayo Pipeline
Phase three: Gwayi-Shangani Dam to Zambezi River Pipelne
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 6km downstream of the confluence of the Gwayi River and Shangani River.
As of May 2025, completion of this dam within its projected completion year of 2025 is under doubt.[1]
Dam type and description
Type: It is a roller-compacted concrete gravity dam, which means it is a dam relying on its weight for stability.
Dimensions
Length: 305 metres from one mountain to the other.
Width: 60 metres at the base.
Height: 70 metres maximum.
Bridge: Dam will have a bridge at the top of width 8 m.
Depth and capacity
Maximum water depth: 59 metres, 11 metres freeboard.
Phase two: Gwayi-Shangani Dam to Bulawayo Pipeline
The envisaged pipeline will be 260km. 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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