Type (project) reservoir Max. depth 70 m (230 ft) Catchment area 39,076 km² | Basin countries Zimbabwe Surface elevation 817 m | |
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Water volume 634 million cubic metres (514,000 acre·ft) | ||
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.
Contents
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
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.