Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
CONSTRUCTION of the seven new silos at Grain Marketing Board Mutare Depot is progressing smoothly, with 57 percent of the work completed with six months still to go before the completion deadline.
Once finished, the facility will be able to handle 56 000 tonnes of grain, helping to reduce post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage.
This project is part of Government’s efforts to expand grain storage capacity across the country.
In Manicaland, the silos are being constructed at GMB Mutare and GMB Timber Mills in Headlands.
The new silos will be ultra-modern, equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient grain storage and handling.
This investment will, not only benefit farmers, but also contribute to the country’s food security.
Zimbabwe aims to increase its Strategic Grain Reserve storage capacity from 500 000 metric tonnes to 1,5 million metric tonnes, and to achieve this, Government is working on the construction of new silos and upgrading existing ones.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri recently toured the construction site of new silos in Mutare, and expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that all necessary resources were in place.
He said Government aims to establish mega silos in 14 locations across the country, increasing the national strategic grain reserve from 500 000 to 1,5 million metric tonnes.
“Here, we are witnessing the silo expansion programme that we are embarking on as Government. At GMB Mutare, we are constructing seven silos, including a dryer that will make sure farmers are able to harvest earlier and shift into either winter or summer cropping earlier.
“The total capacity for these seven silos will be 56 000 metric tonnes of grain that will be held at this particular depot. At the moment, progress is at 57 percent to completion, and this site will be completed and commissioned in about six months.
“We are right on course in terms of construction. Obviously these are underground works and foundation work is the major work. What is left is just finishing the foundations; two are already complete, and other sites are at various stages of completion.
“The materials for the silos are already on site and it is all system to go. Across the country, we have 14 such sites under construction. We are targeting to raise the grain strategic reserve from the current 500 000 to 1,5 million metric tonnes, which will be an addition of 750 000 metric tonnes. We have engaged contractors so that in two years-time all the new silos across the country will be completed, and we will achieve that target,” said Professor Jiri.
Engineer Isaac Mashonganyika, the project manager, highlighted the advanced features of the silos.
“The silos will be automated with real-time sensors to monitor grain quality and humidity. Our modular design includes prefabricated steel silos for easy construction and scalability. The silos boast high corrosion resistance and rapid conveyance speeds.
“The silos will have efficient loading and offloading mechanisms. Once construction is complete, we will offer silo operations, repairs, and maintenance services. When the construction is completed, we are also going to offer silo operations, repairs and maintenance services.
“We are approximately 57 percent complete with civil works at the Mutare site. Although it is raining, it is actually advantageous for our backfilling process, as the ground settles naturally. We will also use mechanical compactors to ensure that the ground is well-compacted,” said Engineer Mashonganyika.
