Zimpapers Logo

Patrick Chitumba, [email protected] 

President Mnangagwa recently made history in Chirumhanzu District, Midlands Province, when he unveiled Holy Cross Dam, a ground-breaking project set to propel rural industrialisation. 

At this momentous event, the President recommissioned the dam, signalling a major breakthrough in Zimbabwe’s quest for rural industrialisation and economic prosperity.

The dam is part of a comprehensive development project that includes fisheries, chalets and an irrigation scheme.

The dam will have a profound impact on local agricultural communities, providing essential resources for improving livelihoods, supporting economic growth, social well-being and enhancing climate resilience. 

Holy Cross Dam, rebuilt after its collapse in 2007, will provide reliable water supply for irrigation, benefiting five surrounding  wards and supporting local agriculture. 

Fish ponds set up at Holy Cross Dam in Chirumhanzu District, Midlands Province

With a catchment area of 158 square kilometres, the dam will serve Holy Cross Mission, local schools, a hospital and the business centre, providing drinking water for both domestic use and animals. 

Commissioning of the dam embodies the broader developmental goals of the “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” agenda.

The benefits of the dam can be classified into economic and social benefits.

Economic Benefits

Irrigation Development: The dam will provide a reliable water supply for irrigation, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity. This will lead to increased yields and the ability to cultivate crops year-round. 

The country is targeting to have 350 000ha of land under irrigation, thus the construction of the dam will open up land for irrigation around Chirumhanzu.

Increased Crop Diversity: With better water management, farmers can grow a wider variety of crops, which can improve food security and diversify income sources.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Production: The construction of the dam will promote fisheries and aquaculture production in the local community. Dam stocking exercises are currently being done across dams around the country and the community of Chirumhanzu can benefit from the fisheries dam stocking project. Fisheries and aquaculture production will diversify the diets of the local community and improve incomes. 

Boosting the Local Economy of Chirumhanzu: Increased agricultural production will stimulate the local economy as farmers sell their surplus produce in markets. This will lead to an increase in local businesses and services.

Infrastructure Development: The construction of a dam often leads to improvements in infrastructure, such as roads and transport systems, which can facilitate agricultural trade and mobility.

A thriving winter wheat crop as a result of the reconstruction of Holy Cross Dam

Social Benefits

Improved Food Security and Climate Resilience: By ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture, the communities around the dam can become more self-sufficient and less vulnerable to food shortages caused by droughts or erratic rainfall.

Health Benefits: Better access to water can improve sanitation and hygiene practices, leading to better health outcomes in Chirumhanzu.

Education and Awareness: Initiatives related to the dam can create opportunities for educational programs about sustainable water management and agricultural practices.

Empowerment of Local Farmers: With improved agricultural conditions, farmers will have better opportunities to engage in markets, thereby empowering them economically and reducing dependency on external support.

Tourism Opportunities: The dam can also become a site of interest for eco-tourism or recreational activities, which can provide additional income to the community.

The Second Republic has made irrigation development, dam construction and water harvesting a policy priority in order to ensure the country attains food security and nutrition in the face of climate change.

Climate change expert and Zimbabwe Open University lecturer, Mr Peter Makwanya said with the increasing occurrence of climate induced droughts, irrigation and dam construction have been identified as a long-term sustainable panacea to the vagaries of climate induced droughts. 

He said harnessing water resources through dam construction and efficient irrigation systems, communities can build resilience against the unpredictable effects of climate change.

“In response to the growing threat of climate-induced droughts, irrigation and dam construction have been recognised as a vital, sustainable strategy to address the challenges posed by these droughts. By investing in water infrastructure, communities can reduce their vulnerability to droughts and ensure a more reliable water supply for agricultural, industrial and domestic use. So, the construction of Holy Cross Dam is a welcome development for the community to fight climate change,” he said.

Mr Makwanya said the Government should be commended for being actively engaged in dam construction as a strategy to combat climate change and its impacts, such as droughts and water scarcity.

“Dam construction helps store water during periods of abundance, reducing the risk of water scarcity during droughts. 

“Dams provide a reliable water source for irrigation, enabling farmers to maintain crop production despite drought conditions. Dams help regulate water flows, reducing the risk of flooding and associated damage and dams contribute to national water security, supporting economic development, food security and human well-being,” he said.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Masuka said the Second Republic is constructing 12 large dams to support its agricultural sector and ensure a reliable water supply.

Dams under construction include Gwayi-Shangani Dam that will provide water to Bulawayo, support irrigation projects and generate 6MW of electricity; and Kunzvi Dam that will supply water to Harare and surrounding  areas.

“These dams are part of the Government’s efforts to address water challenges, support smallholder irrigation and boost food and agricultural production,” he said.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube highlighted the district’s rich history and pride in being the home of liberation struggle icons.

“Since the inception of the Second Republic, Chirumhanzu District has benefited from transformative projects, including the state-of-the-art Harare-Beitbridge highway, the Dinson Iron and Steel plant and the resuscitation of irrigation schemes. 

“These developments demonstrate the President’s commitment to improving livelihoods through economic diplomacy and private sector-led modernisation,” he said.

Minister Ncube said President Mnangagwa’s vision for a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030 is being realised through tangible projects, including infrastructure development, devolution-funded initiatives and decentralised services.

“As President Mnangagwa prepares to assume the Chairmanship of Sadc on August 16, 2024, the people of Zimbabwe stand united behind their leader, celebrating the colossal power and resilience of the nation. The voice of the people is the voice of God and together, we will prevail,” he said.