This week's issues
| Work on Mtshabezi pipeline starts |
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| Written by Natasha Hove |
| Monday, 08 February 2010 17:00 |
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BULAWAYO – Work has started on the Mtshabezi water pipeline that is expected to ease water shortages in Bulawayo, but the government is short of US$18 million needed to complete the project, according to Water Resources Minister Sam Sipepa Nkomo.
He said: “The estimated total project cost for works under the contract is US$25 million. The project was allocated US$7 million in the 2010 national budget leaving a deficit of US$18 million. I am engaging various individuals, the corporate world and relevant ministries to make sure that the deficit is covered.” Construction of the pipeline by two Chinese firms was put on hold last year due to funding shortages. The two contractors, China Nanchang Railway and Civil Engineers (Pvt) Ltd and China Zhonhao were back on site last week following release of funds by Treasury. The pipeline will stretch from Mtshabezi Dam through Matobo communal lands to Umzingwane dam in Matabeleland South province. The pipeline will help boost volumes at Umzingwane which supplies Bulawayo. Bulawayo, tugged at the heat of arid Matabeleland, has battled severe water shortages with the local authorities forced to implement a tough rationing schedule that at times has seen whole parts of the city going for up to six hours or more without any supplies. Plans to draw water from the Zambezi River in the north have remained on the drawing board since the early 80s with residents and politicians from the Matabeleland region accusing the government in Harare of dragging its feet over the project. Government leaders, who have a tendency of mentioning the Zambezi water pipeline only at election time, say a lack of funds has crippled the project to build a 450km pipeline from the Zambezi to Bulawayo. |
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