Staff writer
Following increased and significant inflows into Lake Mutirikwi over the past 24 hours, four floodgates at the lake are now open as it continues to spill, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has revealed.
This has placed the lives and property of villagers living downstream at risk.
Said ZINWA:
“Inflows into Lake Mutirikwi, the country’s second largest inland water body after Tugwi Mukosi have significantly increased in the past 24 hours and now four floodgates have been opened as the lake continues to spill. Lake Mutirikwi is the source of water for the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Electricity Plant, the Lowveld Sugarcane estates, City of Masvingo and the surrounding communities.”
Meanwhile villagers in the downstream have been urged to be on alert.
” Downstream communities have been placed on high alert and are urged to exercise extreme caution, not to cross flooded rivers and to ensure that all irrigation equipment along river channels is properly secured or removed.”