Source: NEW: Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam on brink of spilling, communities told to be vigilant – herald
Masvingo Bureau
COMMUNITIES living downstream of Tugwi-Mukosi — Zimbabwe’s largest inland water dam — have been advised by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to be on high alert over the water body’s risk of spilling following incessant rains in the catchment area.
Tugwi-Mukosi is now 99,2 percent full and is likely to start spilling soon as heavy rains continue to pound most parts of Masvingo province.
In a notice, Zinwa said there is a high risk of spilling if heavy rains persist.
“Communities downstream (of Tugwi-Mukosi) are advised to be on high alert,” read the Zinwa alert.
Communities were also urged to “avoid crossing flooded rivers and secure their water abstraction equipment”.
The Civil Protection Committee in Masvingo also says it is closely monitoring the situation to make sure communities downstream are safe in the event the water body spills.
Tugwi-Mukosi has a capacity of 1,8 billion cubic metres of water.
The dam is located at the confluence of Tugwi and Mukosi rivers in Gororo communal lands in Chivi South.
*KEY FACTS ABOUT TUGWI-MUKOSI DAM*
Name: Tugwi-Mukosi Dam
Type: Concrete-faced rockfill dam
Contractor: Salini Impregilo (Italy)
Cost: US$265 million
Capacity: 1,8 billion cubic metres
Catchment area: 7 120 square kilometres
Tributaries: Tugwi and Mukosi rivers
Location: Gororo, Chivi district, Masvingo province.
Commissioning date: May 2017
Uses: Irrigation and hydropower generation
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