Government has expressed satisfaction with the first phase of construction works for a multipurpose Bwanje Dam in Dedza.
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Joseph Mwanamvekha said this when he visited the site this week.
“The dam has been well constructed. Engineers are telling us that this is a strong dam that can take us up to 50 years.
“As I speak now, they have been checking if there are any defects, but so far so good,” said the minister.
He said the dam will promote irrigation farming and improve food security as farmers will increase crop production.
In his remarks, Dedza district commissioner Paul Kalilombe said the district council is ensuring that the catchment area is protected from human activities.
“The lifespan of this dam depends on how we will manage it. We hope to initiate programmes to sensitise the community on how to manage the environment.
Bwanje Irrigation Scheme Water Users Association president Timothy Kaupembe thanked government for what he described as a transformative project.
Construction of the dam, which is 40 metres wide and 150 metres long, with a storage capacity of about 500 million cubic litres, was launched by President Peter Mutharika in May 2017.
The dam is meant to supply water for domestic use, irrigation of 800 hectares at Bwanje Irrigation Scheme and the surrounding areas and, also, generating hydro-electric power. n
