The construction of the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project has entered a decisive phase as work on its critical 10-megawatt (MW) mini-hydro power station reaches a significant 78% completion milestone. This power plant is not merely an auxiliary feature; it is the “engine room” of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, designed to provide the massive electrical load required to pump water across the 252-kilometer pipeline to Bulawayo.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo, recently confirmed that the Government’s commitment of a US$5 million monthly allocation has been instrumental in maintaining the construction pace. This steady stream of funding has allowed engineers to focus on the intricate fabrication and installation of penstocks—large steel pressure pipes that will channel water from the dam to the turbines.
Clean Energy for a Green Belt
The hydro-power station is designed with two 5MW generators, a configuration that ensures both reliability and operational flexibility. Beyond its primary role in powering the six booster stations along the Gwayi-Shangani-Bulawayo pipeline, the plant is expected to create a self-sustaining energy ecosystem in Matabeleland North. Excess power will be fed into the national grid, while a significant portion will be dedicated to the proposed 10,000-hectare “green belt” of irrigation schemes along the pipeline route.
Integrating Water and Power Security
As of mid-2026, the overall dam project stands at 75% completion. The hydro-power component is progressing slightly ahead of the main dam wall, a strategic move by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to ensure that power is ready the moment the lake begins to fill. This integration of water and energy infrastructure is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform rural provinces into economic hubs through industrialization and food security.
Once operational, Lake Gwayi-Shangani will be the third-largest inland water body in the country, with the hydro-power station serving as a testament to the Second Republic’s policy of generating clean energy at all major dam sites. By utilizing the 70-meter head of water created by the dam, the station will provide a carbon-neutral energy source that lowers the long-term operational costs of the water delivery system. With 11 contractors currently working across the pipeline and booster stations, the race to meet the late 2026 commissioning deadline is well and truly on, promising a future where water and power shortages in the region become relics of the past.