The project is not without its problems, however. Siltation is plaguing the dam, caused by soil running off into the water because there is no vegetation to hold it back. At the same time, settlers are crowding grazing areas, causing erosion, and a resettlement plan is badly needed. Not only must existing damage be repaired by building silt traps, but future damage must be prevented by limiting the number of people who can settle along the water's edge. Nevertheless, the gains seem to outweigh the losses.
Today there are lots of permanent shops and better transport links in the area.
In times of drought, the project can make the difference between hardship and security for literally thousands of people, through the informal support structure of extended families that may include up to 40 people. Confidence that they will be able to earn a decent income helps to keep young people on the land. At 18, Tawanda Gomo has not gone to work in the city, as is the custom in Zimbabwe's poor rural areas. Instead, he spends his days helping his mother in the fields. I have a future.