CPU On High Alert As Tugwi-Mukosi Dam Fills Up
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) is on high alert over possible flooding downstream of Tugwi-Mukosi Dam as the reservoir is now 90 per cent full and is expected to spill in the coming days.
If the dam spills, there are fears that the already flooded Tugwi River, downstream of the reservoir, will burst its banks and affect adjacent communities in Chivi and Chiredzi.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira revealed that the dam will likely spill in the next few days as incessant rains continue to fall in its catchment area. He said:
Tugwi-Mukosi water levels have been rising significantly over the past few weeks and the water level is now near 90 per cent meaning the dam will likely spill in the coming few days hence the need to prepare our people in downstream areas in the event of flooding.
Chadzamira said an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter has been put on standby to airlift people in the event the dam eventually spills.
CPU teams had been carrying out awareness campaigns to warn communities close to Tugwi and Runde River of the impending threat of flooding, Chadzamira added.
Tugwi-Mukosi is Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam and has the capacity to hold 1,8 billion cubic metres of water.
