Lubimbi villagers await relocation as Gwayi-Shangani dam nears completion
Thembelihle Mhlanga
In a move to address the concerns of villagers living in the Lubimbi Communal area of Lupane West Constituency, the local Member of Parliament, Hon. Mxolisi C. Sibanda, recently held a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The meeting, which took place on July 24th, 2024, was attended by Group Captain Givemore Taveshure, the Chief Director at the Minister’s Office, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
According to Hon. Sibanda, community members in Lubimbi had requested him to seek clarity from the Ministry of Lands on the relocation modalities before the relocation process takes place. The villagers expressed their fears, as they had witnessed the advanced stages of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction, but there seemed to be no clear communication on when they would be relocated to their new places of residence.
“Their fears emanated from the fact that they had seen the advanced stages in which the dam construction was at and there seemed to be no clear communication on when they will be relocated to their new places,” said Hon. Sibanda.
In response, Group Captain Taveshure explained that the Ministry had already held meetings with the traditional leaders and villagers at the dam site in 2023, where they had explained the relocation process. The meeting was attended by chiefs from Matabeleland North, including Chief Siansali, Chief Nekatambe, Chief Nelukoba, Chief Matupula, Chief Kavula, Chief Menyezwa, Chief Mabhikwa and Chief Sinamangonde, as well as local government officials and representatives from the Joint Operations Command.
“The meeting brought together chiefs from Matabeleland North who included Chief Siansali, Chief Nekatambe, Chief Nelukoba, Chief Matupula, Chief Kavula, Chief Menyezwa, Chief Mabhikwa and Chief Sinamangonde,” said Group Captain Taveshure.
He further stated that the meeting was presided over by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. July Moyo, and was also attended by the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office, Brigadier-General Sibangumuzi Khumalo (Retired), and the Matabeleland North Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Richard Moyo.
Group Captain Taveshure assured Hon. Sibanda that the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project will significantly benefit the villagers in the area. He explained that the dam will not only provide a permanent solution to Bulawayo’s water shortages but will also generate 10MW of electricity for the national grid.
“The project has become a beacon of true development and empowerment in Africa,” Group Captain Taveshure said. “It’s not only about the Bulawayo residents who will gain, but everyone in between, and it’s very important for communities to benefit from the dam.”
He further elaborated on the potential benefits for the local communities, including irrigation projects, fisheries, and tourism opportunities. The dam, which was first mooted in 1912, has seen significant progress, with more than 72% of the dam wall already constructed.
“Communities will benefit from irrigation projects that will be established including fisheries and tourism. The dam was mooted way back in 1912 and implementation of the project only started a few years ago,” Group Captain Taveshure said.
The Chief Director assured Hon. Sibanda that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the relocation process is handled with the utmost care and consideration for the affected villagers. He emphasized the importance of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project, which will provide a permanent solution to Bulawayo’s water challenges and bring about transformative development in the region.
As the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project nears completion, the residents of Lupane West Constituency( Lubimbi ) eagerly await the details of the relocation plan, hoping to secure a smooth transition to their new homes and an opportunity to benefit from the vast potential of this transformative development.
