The construction of a multi-million dollar dam in Silobela will impact on livelihoods of communities in the area through support of irrigation schemes, a minister said.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Owen Ncube said the US$87 million dam whose total capacity would be 195 570 megalitres will support irrigation infrastructure for a total of 1200 hectare irrigation schemes.

"Projects such as this dam construction and irrigation schemes which had remained idle for years are now vigorously pursued to ensure no-one and no place is left behind and we therefore recognise the importance of bringing progress to marginalised areas that have desire for development for so long," Ncube said during a tour of the site where Vungu Dam in Silobela is being constructed.

The dam project is funded by government through the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.

Silobela is in a dry region and over the years villagers have been facing incessant droughts exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

 

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