Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA)
Ziminya Dam Water Security & Irrigation Project
Industrial Construction
Ongoing (target completion aligned with the Vision 2030 programme)
Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe
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Unlocking long-term water security and economic resilience in drought-prone Matabeleland North.
The Ziminya Dam Water Security & Irrigation Project is a strategic national water infrastructure initiative aimed at addressing chronic water shortages in Nkayi District and the wider Matabeleland North region. Developed as a multi-purpose dam, the project is designed to provide reliable domestic water supply, support irrigation-based agriculture, and enable community-driven economic activities.
Managed by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the project forms part of the Government of Zimbabwe’s broader investment in high-impact water infrastructure to support Vision 2030, climate resilience, and sustainable rural development.
Civil Engineering Design Support
Water Infrastructure Engineering
Project Support & Technical Coordination
Under Construction (Intermediate Stage)
Matabeleland North is among Zimbabwe’s most drought-prone regions, with communities historically reliant on seasonal rainfall and limited surface water sources. The absence of large-scale water storage infrastructure has constrained agricultural productivity, economic development, and long-term water security.
Key challenges driving the Ziminya Dam project include:
Affecting communities, livestock, and agricultural activities
Resulting in frequent drought cycles and reduced surface water availability
Restricting food security and year-round agricultural production
Limited opportunities for sustained income generation
The Ziminya Dam project was structured as a long-term, multi-purpose water resource solution, designed to deliver sustained socio-economic benefits rather than short-term relief. Engineering and planning decisions focused on storage capacity, catchment efficiency, resilience, and future scalability.
Development of a large-capacity water storage dam with an approximate capacity of 98 million cubic metres, designed to support multi-sector water demand
Strategic utilisation of the Shangani River catchment to maximise reliable inflows and long-term yield
Planned integration of modern irrigation schemes to enable consistent agricultural production and climate resilience
Provision for domestic water supply infrastructure to serve Nkayi Growth Point and surrounding settlements
Inclusion of community-focused economic activities, such as fisheries and nutritional gardens, to broaden development impact.
Although still under construction, the Ziminya Dam is already recognised as a transformational investment for Matabeleland North, with significant long-term benefits anticipated upon completion.