An Assessment of the socio-economic impacts of the construction of Siya Dam in the Mazungunye area: Bikita District of Zimbabwe

Type Journal Article - Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa
Title An Assessment of the socio-economic impacts of the construction of Siya Dam in the Mazungunye area: Bikita District of Zimbabwe
Author(s)
Volume 14
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 1-17
URL http://www.jsd-africa.com/Jsda/Vol14No4-Summer2012B/PDF/An Assessment of the Socio-Economic​Impacts.Boycen Kumira Mudzengi.pdf
Abstract
The construction of dams results in widespread socio-economic impacts on communities. The results from the study show
that Siya Dam has both positive and negative socio-economic impacts in the Mazungunye area. The impacts tend to be
selective both spatially and socially. The study noted that the dam can be used for irrigation making agriculture viable in the
face of climate change. Fish resources from the dam can also be used to augment dietary protein requirements thereby
improving community health and contributing to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals. Further, the benefits of
Siya Dam can be enhanced by using its water resources for the development of a mini hydro-electric power plant project that
would augment the national power grid and contribute to clean energy production. It is hoped the study will contribute to the
sustainable development and utilization of water resources provided by the dam.

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