_Forward Everywhere_ *Epworth Eyes Marondera’s Wenimbi Dam To Ease Water Shortages* Advertise with us WhatsApp +263 77 443 4698 Ngatibatane pa WhatsApp Channel 👇🏾 *View and Follow and Share this channel* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJEcyNDTkK81mXyWB0s Epworth’s worsening water crisis has sparked a controversial proposal to tap into Marondera’s Wenimbi Dam, located 80 kilometres away, as local leaders push for urgent solutions amid continued delays in the long-awaited Kunzvi Dam project. The proposal, led by Epworth North Member of Parliament Zivai Mhetu, aims to pipe water from Wenimbi Dam to serve the rapidly expanding suburb. Mhetu confirmed that discussions with the Marondera City Council are underway. He said the council has indicated it has surplus water capacity, which could potentially extend to neighbouring areas such as Mabvuku, Ruwa, and Greendale. Said Mhetu: Marondera pumps its water from Wenimbi Dam, and they said we need to create a “Y” junction so that water is also diverted towards us. Already, the water has gradient, and we are in low-lying areas, so it is to our advantage. However, the Epworth Local Board has opposed the proposal, citing a government directive that the suburb’s water supply should come from the still-under-construction Kunzvi Dam. Mhetu, however, contends that this position is unrealistic in light of the community’s immediate water needs. He said: My worry is that with Kunzvi, we will be sharing with Chitungwiza, which has a huge population. I am worried we will get a portion not enough for everyone… All we need are letters to Marondera Council to ask for the connection of water from relevant departments so we can start the process. Urban planning expert Shingai Kawadza said that while the idea could work in theory, it would be very difficult to carry out because of big challenges related to transport, costs, and administration. He said: Kawadza pointed out some key things to think about, like the land’s shape and the need for powerful pumps, the long pipeline that would have to be built, how much water is actually available, and the high costs of running and maintaining the whole system. He said putting in a special large pipeline would take a lot of money upfront, careful planning, and steps to limit any damage to the environment. Just as important, he added, is making sure Wenimbi Dam has enough water to supply both Marondera and Epworth, especially in dry spells. There would also need to be proper water rights and official agreements between the different councils involved. * Via The Independent