The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has channelled US$842 000 towards the development of two irrigation schemes in Manicaland, The Manica Post has learnt.
The schemes were developed in Makoni and Chipinge districts and are expected to benefit about 1000 direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The schemes were developed with the goal of increasing food production in areas vulnerable to drought.
A 69-hectare Chitemene Irrigation Scheme was developed in the Chipembere in Makoni at a cost of USD602 000.
In Chipinge, 50 hectares of the targeted 72ha have been developed at Musikavanhu B2 Irrigation Scheme, where two boreholes have been drilled.
The scheme was funded to the tune of USD240 000.
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka highlighted to Cabinet the two projects, among many others implemented by his ministry in the first 100 Day Cycle of 2023.
This was confirmed by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, in a Post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday.
“Honourable, Dr Anxious Masuka reported on the projects implemented by his Ministry. He highlighted the progress as follows: the development of 69 ha of irrigation at Chitemene Irrigation Scheme in Manicaland Province was completed; and 50 hectares out of the targeted 72ha of the Musikavanhu B2 Irrigation Scheme in Manicaland Province were developed and two boreholes sunk,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Provincial Irrigation Engineer, Engineer Tendai Chimunhu said the two schemes were implemented under an arrangement in which the contractor responsible for developing the schemes in accordance with the designs hand over complete projects to the client.
“We developed a new irrigation scheme for A1 resettled farmers at Chitemene in Makoni with a total of 69ha. The famers will use the semi-portable sprinkler irrigation system. They will irrigate using high density polyethylene (HDPE),” said Engineer Chimunhu.
HDPE is a thermoplastic that is famous for its tensile strength. Its unique properties can stand high temperatures.
Engineer Chimunhu said three pumps were installed at the scheme, and two will be in operation while the other is on stand-by.
The works included construction of mainline and infield lateral works, pump installations, construction of a 100-metre overhead electricity line and installation of a transformer.
“The project is complete and was successfully test-run. The farmers are looking forward to planting 46 hectares of wheat while different crops will be put on the remaining 23ha,” he said.
Engineer Chimunhu said two pumps were procured for Musikavanhu B2, and Zesa is attending to damaged transformers.
He said farmers will plant beans and tomatoes.
Engineer Chimunhu said the developments point to Government’s efforts to improve food and nutrition security through prioritised investment in irrigation infrastructure and building the capacity of farmers to sustainably operate and maintain developed irrigation schemes, increase productivity and adopt market oriented production strategies.
Farmers will also be trained on climate smart agriculture and improve market access for their agriculture products, so that they positively contribute to the resilience of small-holder farming communities in the face of climate change manifestations such as persistent droughts and flooding.
