Zimbabwe, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, boasts a rich and diverse natural heritage. Among its remarkable features are its numerous dams and reservoirs, which provide essential water resources, electricity, irrigation, and recreational opportunities. With over 10,000 dams covering approximately 117,662 hectares, Zimbabwe stands out as a country that harnesses water resources for development and sustainability. Some of these dams rank among the largest and most impressive in Africa and even the world.
Topography of Zimbabwe.
The country is divided into five natural regions. Precipitation over one-quarter of the land area in the country is less than 600 mm. This necessitates the impoundment of water in dams. Zimbabwe's major watershed extends from Plumtree towards the northeast. The Save/Runde, Limpopo, Nata, Buzi, and Pungwe river systems are crucial for water management.
Here is a list of some of the most notable dams in Zimbabwe:
- Kariba Dam: Located on the Zambezi River, it is one of the largest dams in the world based on water storage capacity.
- Lake Mutirikwi (formerly Lake Kyle)
- Manyame Dam
- Mazvikadei Dam
- Osborne Dam
- Gwayi-Shangani Dam
- Tugwi Mukosi Dam (formerly Tokwe Mukosi Dam)
- Zhove Dam
- Insiza Dam
- Umzingwane Dam
These dams are not only critical for Zimbabwe’s water security, economic development, and energy production but also add to its natural beauty and cultural heritage. They are engineering marvels that attract visitors and contribute significantly to tourism, agriculture, and local livelihoods.
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Kariba Dam: A Closer Look
Kariba Dam is the world’s biggest dam based on water storage capacity. Located at the former Kariwa (Kariba) Gorge, the dam creates Lake Kariba, which has a storage capacity of 185 billion cubic metres of water and a surface area of 5,580km2. The Lake Kariba covers a length of 280km and is 32km wide at its widest section.
Kariba Dam.
The double curvature concrete arch dam is owned by Zambezi River Authority and was constructed between 1955 and 1959 by Impresit of Italy. The dam is 128m high, 617m in length, and was constructed using 1.036 million cubic metres of concrete.
Here's a comparison of some of the world's largest dams by water storage capacity:
Kariba Hydroelectric Plant - Zambia, Zimbabwe (1960)
| Dam Name | Location | Storage Capacity (billion cubic meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Kariba Dam | Zambezi River (Zimbabwe/Zambia) | 185 |
| Bratsk Dam | Siberia, Russia | 169.27 |
| Akosombo Dam | Ghana | Unknown |
| Daniel Johnson Dam | Canada | 139.8 |
| Guri Dam | Venezuela | 135 |
| Aswan High Dam | Egypt | Unknown |
| W.A.C Bennett Dam | Canada | Unknown |
| Krasnoyarsk Dam | Russia | 73.3 |
| Zeya Dam | Russia | 68.42 |
| Robert Bourassa Dam | Canada | Unknown |
Utilization of Dams in Zimbabwe
Dams in Zimbabwe serve multiple purposes, including:
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- Agriculture: 75% of dams are used for agricultural purposes.
- Industry and Mining: 0.5% of dams support industrial and mining activities.
- Communal Use: Dams in communal areas are slightly larger in average size.
The distribution of dams varies across provinces, with Manicaland, Midlands, and the Mashonalands having the highest concentrations.
Fisheries and Dam Management
Many dams in Zimbabwe support fisheries, contributing to nutrition and food security. The introduction of the sardine (Limnothrissa miodon), locally called kapenta, has significantly increased fish availability. Dams such as Kyle, Robertson, Chivero, and Bangala mainly produce indigenous bream.
Management of fisheries resources is shared by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management (DNPWM) and the District Council. The DNPWM employs rangers who enforce regulations in collaboration with Village Development Committees (VIDCO). This collaborative approach aims to ensure sustainable yields and conservation of fish stocks.
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