The Roof of Mashonaland East
Marondera District’s unique topography defines not just our stunning landscapes, but our entire local economy. Perched high on the Zimbabwean highveld at an elevation of roughly 1,670 meters (5,479 feet), the district enjoys a temperate, reliable climate. This elevation protects us from extreme heat while providing the perfect cool, wet conditions required for our world-class commercial agriculture, timber plantations, and livestock farming.
The Great Watershed
Because we sit at the highest point in the region, water does not flow into Marondera—it flows out from it.
Our plateau serves as the geographic divide and the primary catchment area for three of Zimbabwe’s most vital river systems:
- The Manyame River: Flowing north-westwards, providing critical water resources all the way to the capital, Harare, and beyond.
- The Mazowe River: Winding north-eastwards, supporting major agricultural and mining belts.
- The Save River: Beginning its long journey southwards to nourish the country’s southeastern lowveld.
A District of 60 Dams
Water security is the ultimate driver of agricultural and economic success. To harness the immense runoff from our watershed, Marondera District boasts a vast, engineered network of 60 established dams.
These water bodies are the lifeblood of our rural communities, serving multiple critical purposes:
- Year-Round Irrigation: Ensuring our commercial and small-scale farmers can produce crops outside the standard rainy season, cementing Marondera’s status as an agricultural powerhouse.
- Livestock Sustenance: Providing reliable drinking points for our district’s thriving cattle and livestock herds.
- WASH Security: Supplementing boreholes and municipal water supplies to guarantee safe drinking water for our 136,000+ residents.
By protecting this watershed, the Marondera Rural District Council isn’t just securing the future of our own 23 wards—we are actively preserving the ecological and agricultural health of the entire nation.
