Gwayi-Shangani Dam Completion Urged As Irrigation Funding Delays Raise Concern
Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
MP urges Government to complete Gwayi-Shangani Dam and release irrigation funds
Chakari legislator Andrew Nkani has called for the completion of Gwayi-Shangani Dam and timely disbursement of irrigation funding, arguing that reliable water infrastructure is essential for sustaining agricultural production amid changing rainfall patterns.
Speaking during debate on the State of the Nation Address in the National Assembly on 5 November 2026, Nkani said Zimbabwe needed to strengthen irrigation infrastructure to support food production.
He specifically called for the completion of dams, including Gwayi-Shangani, to support irrigation schemes.
“We look forward to the completion of those dams because they are targeting our irrigation farms,” Nkani told Parliament.
The MP also raised concerns about delayed funding for the Mumpani Irrigation Scheme in his constituency, saying money had already been budgeted for its refurbishment but had not reached the project.
The scheme supports the production of wheat and maize and serves several farming households, according to his parliamentary contribution.
“I am pleading that when it comes to irrigation or when it comes to the money from the fiscus, if it has been budgeted, it should go towards that irrigation, it should be disbursed in time because my scheme was budgeted for and was supposed to be given money,” he said.
Nkani added that the scheme had not received the expected funding.
“Up to now, we have not received that money. We are pleading with the Minister of Finance to release the funds,” he said.
His contribution raises questions about the timely release of public funds for agricultural infrastructure and the challenges facing irrigation-dependent farmers.
Gwayi-Shangani Dam is a major water infrastructure project in Matabeleland North, with wider implications for regional water security and agricultural development.
However, Nkani’s remarks did not provide an update on the dam’s construction progress, outstanding works or the amount of funding required for completion.
The Ministry responsible for water development and the Ministry of Finance need to clarify the project’s current status and the funding position of irrigation schemes awaiting government support.
