Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project
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.
| Gwayi-Shangani | |
|---|---|
 Gwayi-Shangani | |
| Type | (project) reservoir |
| Catchment area | 39,076 km2 (15,087 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Zimbabwe |
| Max. depth | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Water volume | 634 million cubic metres (514,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface elevation | 817 m (2,680 ft) |
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
- 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 6 km downstream of the confluence of the Gwayi River and Shangani River.
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
- Depth and Capacity
- Maximum water depth: 59 metres, 11 metres freeboard.
- Capacity: 634 million m³
- 10% Yield: 210 million m³
- Materials Used And Quantities