The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
Government has allocated US$15 million for the rehabilitation of the abandoned 600 hectare Nzvimbe (Romsley) Irrigation Scheme in a progressive move that seeks to improve food security, alleviate poverty and sustain development in Makoni South.
Makoni District Development Coordinator, Mr Edwin Mashindi, confirmed the development last week.
This follows intense lobbying by Makoni South legislator, Honourable Misheck Mataranyika; Zanu PF national secretary for finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa and former Agriculture Minister, Dr Joseph Made.
“We are happy that the scheme has been allocated US$15m and work has already resumed. The feasibility studies have already been made and a team is already on the ground to start preliminary works.
“The community has already been engaged about the development. We are clearing the area as a lot of illegal settlements had taken place. This is meant to pave way for the smooth flow of the project. We are looking at around 600ha of prime land, which will benefit over 3 000 people,” said Mr Mashindi.
Improving agricultural productivity through small-holder irrigation schemes is one of Government’s key strategies to improve the livelihoods of rural communities as the majority of people rely on agriculture.
Rainfall in Makoni South is too erratic for dryland farming, hence the need for irrigation.
Nzvimbe Irrigation Scheme was abandoned in the early 80s and its revival will benefit more than 3 000 people.
It will also cushion farmers against droughts and mid-season dry spells so that they intensify production throughout the year.
Dr Made said the rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme will increase yields, stabilise output, enable crop diversification, increase income and create employment opportunities.
“It will have a multiplier effect on the beneficiary incomes and contribute towards food security and poverty alleviation. This is an old scheme whose canals were developed back then. It was drawing water from Mucheke River through a 26km canal using the flood irrigation system. We will simply install the pump station to draw water from the river to the necessary contour. The plans and designs are already there and we are happy that the resources have been allocated.
“We are talking of a very dry area with some of the best red and black soils. This will be a game changer,” said Dr Made.
He said priority should also be given to Mwarazi Dam in Chiendambuya (Makoni North), which has the capacity to irrigate 700ha of prime land.
Dr Made also urged the Government to rehabilitate other irrigation schemes in Manicaland to boost production.
He said irrigation is crucial for the development of the agricultural industry as it improves the viability of farming enterprises, increases efficiency and economic viability of farming ventures.
