Budget Consultations: Lubimbi youths appeal for urgent support amid Gwai-Shangani Dam relocation crisis

Providence Moyo

As construction advances on the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which promises to enhance water supply for Bulawayo and surrounding areas, residents of Lubimbi are facing an uncertain future.

During yesterday’s national budget consultations at Jotsholo Centre in Lupane, they appealed to Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, urging him to prioritize their urgent relocation needs in the upcoming budget.

The dam, located near Mabale ward in Hwange district and Lubimbi ward in Binga district, is nearing completion, with 70% of the project finished. However, the impact on the local community has been profound and concerning. Residents highlighted that while the dam will facilitate economic activities such as fishing and power generation, it threatens the very fabric of their lives.

“While the project brings benefits at the national level, it has severe repercussions for the Lubimbi community,” residents stated in their submitted letter. The relocation will affect 502 households, potentially submerging vital infrastructure like Lubimbi 2 Primary School, a dip tank, and about 60 boreholes. Roads and the Shangani Bridge will also be lost, leading to the destruction of homes, latrines, cattle pens, and arable land, displacing approximately 2,422 individuals.

In their written pleas, residents called for immediate action to relocate families to Nakanono, a site they believe will allow them to rebuild their lives and continue contributing to national development. “We count on your leadership and commitment to social justice to address our plight,” they implored.

Diligent Muleya, a youth from Lubimbi involved in the consultations, emphasized the need for sustainable development and economic growth for Lubimbi through the Gwai-Shangani Dam. He also highlighted the necessity of establishing a registration office in the area, as many residents remain stateless due to the lack of access to documentation. Additionally, the community seeks improvements in healthcare services, as women often travel long distances to access essential health facilities.

As the government moves forward with the dam project, the voices of Lubimbi residents serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between national development and community welfare.