Rains Refill the Nation, Major Dams Near Capacity

By Kudzaishe Chimonera

The country’s major dams recorded a national average water level of 90.0 percent as at 26 January 2026 according to data sorted by dam capacity from largest to smallest.

The latest update from Zimbabwe National Authority (ZINWA) shows that several major dams were reported to be 100 percent full including Tugwi-Mukosi, Arcadia, Lake Mutirikwi, Mtshabezi, Manyuchi, Bubi-Lupane, Masembura, Silalabuhwa, Zhovhe, Harava, Siya, Upper Insiza and Seke.

Other dams showing high water levels include Sebakwe (86.5 percent), Manjirenji (83.5 percent), Manyame (82.5 percent), Osborne (81.0 percent) and Lake Chivero (76.1 percent).

Moderate levels were recorded at Mazvikadei (64.8 percent) and Insiza (51.9 percent).

However, several dams remain below half capacity. Upper Ncema stood at 40.4 percent, Lower Ncema at 37.4 percent, Mzingwane at 35.4 percent, Mwenje at 20.7 percent, Inyankuni at 19.8 percent and Mazowe Dam recorded 11.1 percent.