Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project
The Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (MZWP) is an ambitious project being undertaken in the arid Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe.The project seeks to end the perennial water shortages bedevilling Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo by bringing water from the mighty Zambezi river to the city. The Project. The project can be classified as a Major Project. It is expected to cost US$600 million which is a huge investment by African standards. The project will consist of three phases as follows: Phase One: Gwayi-Shangani Dam. The Gwayi-Shangani dam is the first phase  of the MZWP and is the core of the project. Commenced in September 2004 it is expected to provide a reservoir for this project. The dam will be located about 6 km downstream of the confluence of the Gwayi River and Shangani River. Phase Two: Gwayi-Shangani Dam to Bulawayo Pipeline. The envisaged pipeline will be 260km. Construction of the pipeline is scheduled to be completed in 2022. In April 2021, the Government of Zimbabwe floated a tender for the construction of the pipeline.