Tugwi-Mukosi nears capacity as Masvingo leads Zimbabwe’s water security outlook

Editor Enviro December 18, 2025 in NEWS, Top Story - 1 Minute

Trymore Tagwirei

Zimbabwe’s largest inland water body, Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, continues to anchor the nation’s water security after recording a remarkable 95.2 percentage storage, according to the latest update released by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).

The dam’s strong performance places Masvingo Province at the forefront of the national hydrological outlook, with Lake Mutirikwi also posting an impressive 83.7 percentage, reinforcing the province’s dominance in water storage capacity.

ZINWA confirmed that the national average dam level stands at 73.3 percentage, noting that Masvingo’s dams are among the strongest performers in the country.

“The latest readings show a generally stable national outlook, with Tugwi-Mukosi continuing to perform exceptionally well,” ZINWA said in its update.

Across the country, several reservoirs are also holding healthy water levels.

According to ZINWA, Manyuchi is at 83.9 percentage, Arcadia 85.2 percentage, Mtshabezi 79.9 percentage, Masembura 85.1 percentage, Silalabuhwa 89.3 percentage, Manyame 73.7 percentage, Zhovhe 80.3 percentage, Siya 69.4 percentage, Chivero 54.1 percentage, Osborne 62.3 percentage and Insiza 40.5 percentage.

However, a number of dams remain worryingly low. Inyankuni is at 7.5 percentage, Mwenje 3.7 percentage, Mazowe 9.4 percentage and Mzingwane 23.4 percentage—levels ZINWA says could strain water supplies if rainfall patterns do not improve.

Bulawayo’s key water sources continue to show persistent stress, with Upper Ncema at 29.7 percentage, Lower Ncema 27.4 percentage and Upper Insiza 26.7 percentage.

Despite the mixed national picture, ZINWA says the overall situation remains stable as the country progresses further into the rainy season.

“We urge the public to continue using water wisely, even as dam levels are generally favourable,” the authority added.

The strong performance of Masvingo’s dams—particularly Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi—positions the province for enhanced irrigation, improved agricultural output and expanded economic opportunities in 2026.