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Gwayi-Shangani dam further pushed to 2023 for completion

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The government has once again shifted the deadline for completion of construction of Lake Gwayi Shangani in Mabale, Hwange District to end of the year.

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The project was first mooted in 1912 and successive governments failed to implement it as it missed several deadlines. 

Last year the government had said the project would be completed mid-year before shifting the deadline to end of the year. 

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka visited the project site on Tuesday to have an appreciation of progress made so far, and said it will be completed ahead of the 2023/24 summer cropping season. 

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“We are working hard to see what works need to be done and resources required so that the project is completed ahead of the 2023-2024 cropping season,” said Masuka.

The dam wall is now 20 metres high, against a target of over 40 metres.

This makes 73 percent towards completion of the wall.

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“I am here to assess progress at Lake Gwayi Shangani and plan for 2023 as indicated by the President that this project must be completed this year. ” said Masuka.

The dam is at the confluence of Gwayi and Shangani rivers.

It is being constructed by the  Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zimra) through a Chinese contractor, China Water and Electric Corporation and will have a capacity of 650 million cubic metres.

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The dam project is part of a century-old National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), 

It is touted as a permanent solution to Bulawayo water challenges.

The construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani is the first phase of the project which also involves the laying of a 245 kilometers pipeline from the dam to Bulawayo.

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According to Zimra officials, there will be water offtake sites to various irrigation projects for communities along the pipeline.

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Lupane

Conductor killed in bus accident along Dandanda-Jotsholo road

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BY STAFF REPORTER

A bus conductor lost his life in a tragic accident along Dandanda-Jotsholo Road in Lupane after being run over by the bus he was working on.

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The incident occurred on November 17, at approximately 1:30 a.m.

According to the police report, the conductor was hanging precariously on the moving bus and unfortunately slipped and fell, resulting in fatal injuries.

The police are now urging bus operators and crew members to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety protocols to avoid such devastating accidents.

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They specifically warn against allowing loaders or conductors to hang dangerously on moving vehicles, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety on the roads.

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Bubi

Inyathi man handed community service for burning wife’s belongings

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A 39-year-old man from Inyathi Township has been convicted of malicious damage to property after a disagreement with his wife

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The accused recently appeared before the Inyathi Magistrates’ Court for malicious damage to property.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, sometime in September, the accused person had a misunderstanding with the complainant, his wife over the welfare of the family.

He forced the complainant and their children out of the house.

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While the complainant was away, the accused person burnt the complainant’s belongings.

The destroyed property was valued at $140.

The accused person was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, of which 3 months were suspended for 5 years.

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A further 18 months were suspended on condition that he completes 630 hours of community service.

The remaining 3 months were suspended on condition of restitution.

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Hwange

Victoria Falls residents at odds with roaming buffaloes, Zimparks maintains they belong

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Residents of Victoria Falls are struggling to coexist with a large number of buffaloes that have taken over the streets of both high-density urban areas and low-residential areas.

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The buffaloes seem to be everywhere, leaving residents frustrated and desperate.

Videos taken by residents and VicFallsLive, our media organization, show people trying to chase them away using sticks and rocks, but the buffaloes are undeterred.

This morning, three buffaloes blocked the road on Jakaranda Street, eating leaves from the trees and grass.

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Despite the distress calls from residents, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) maintains that the buffaloes are within their habitat.

“I think we need to understand who is is saying there has been a growing trend of buffalos in Victoria Falls for an example, l think the numbers we have in Victoria Falls we don’t have much problems with them and this is what attracts tourists,”said Tinashe Farawo, Zimparks spokesperson.

“It’s a tourist town and one of the major draw-cuts for tourists is those buffalos. It is definitely their habitat that’s where they stay in the wild.”

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However, residents disagree. They say the buffaloes are causing a nuisance and pose a danger to humans.

“We are working hard to make a living, and now we have to deal with these wild animals in our streets,” said Khulani Ncube.

In one incident, about 40 buffaloes blocked the road on Mkhosana Street near Kazungula Road, eating vegetables. “It’s like they own the place,” said Trymore Ndolo who witnessed the scene, adding that they might cause a casualty if action is not taken.

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While the Zimparks says that the buffaloes are a tourist attraction, residents argue that their safety should come first.

“We understand that tourism is important, but what about our lives?” asked a resident.

 

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