Chegutu West legislator Cde

Webster Shamu visited the site to assess progress. The site foreman Mr

Casian Ma-nzunzu said their biggest challenge was shortage of cement.

"The project should have been completed had it not been for the erratic

supply of cement. However, we've just received 70 bags and they are not

enough," said Mr Manzunzu. He said that they were also running short of

protective clothing for workers.

Cde Shamu appreciated the help from Zimplats, but was quick to point out

that it was a drop in the ocean. "We expect big companies like Zimplats to

plough back to the community as a way of social responsibility, even out of

their own initiative," he said. He hailed the community for identifying and

participating in the project, pointing out that it was their own liberation they

were initiating. Cde Shamu said it was not only the Ward 16 community

that was going to benefit from the dam, but also wards 17 and 20.

Chegutu East has a total of 315 farms that are underutilised due to lack of

irrigation facilities and infrastructure.