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Blessings Chidakwa Zimpapers Elections Desk
The major and successful construction of dams across the country as the people’s party Zanu PF continues to fulfil its 2018 manifesto pledges has left communities uplifted while boosting the agriculture sector.
In the 2018 manifesto, Zanu PF’s First Secretary and President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa assured that construction of dams would be the new normal and this is now seen with several new dams already commissioned while others are moving steadily towards completion.
Among the flagship projects is Gwayi-Shangani Dam proposed in 1912, with actual works commencing when President Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 pledging to complete it within a short period and true to his word, its construction is nearing completion.
Scheduled for completion ahead of the next summer cropping season, it will be the third largest interior dam after Tugwi Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi with a capacity of 650 million cubic meters.
Chivhu Dam has already been commissioned after being approved by the First Republic in 2005 but construction only started in 2018 under the Second Republic, a clear sign that focus is solely on delivering.
Marovanyati Dam in Buhera, Muchekeranwa Dam in Marondera have also been commissioned while Kunzvi Dam is set to ease perennial Harare Metropolitan water supply challenges upon completion.
In some of the once marginalised areas where dams have been constructed, the farmers are making good profits up to US$3 000 monthly from 10 hectare farms.
A farmer who benefitted from a Centre Pivot from President Mnangagwa at Muchekeranwa Dam in Marondera, Mrs Tambudzai Kandiye, in her wheat farm
In the 2018 manifesto, the President said the Zanu PF Government considered water a basic human right as enshrined in the national Constitution and was committed to the provision of safe and adequate drinking water and sanitation for the citizenry.
“The following interventions will be implemented in pursuit of a national rehabilitation programme of all water purification plants.
“The construction of the Gwayi-Shangani, Mutange, Musami and Kunzvi Dams and the Wenimbi pipeline will also be implemented to increase water supply,” he said.
Within the President’s five-year term limit, it is for all to see the massive progress undertaken in the construction of the dams.
A horticulture farmer Mr Artwell Mupapa in ward 22, Marondera East who is farming tomatoes was all smiles as he narrated how his project has blossomed.
Mr Mupapa said Muchekeranwa dam is assisting locals a lot as they used to access water from Mucheke River which was a bit distant.
“We are accessing water easily and this has boosted our production as water constitutes the bigger component for our inputs contributing to about three quarters since tomatoes require a lot of water,” he said.
“I am also managing to plant several varieties of different stages at once due to availability of water. I sell my produce to Chitungwiza. On average each time I pocket up to US$3 000 depending on price on the market,” he said.
Another farmer who benefited from a centre pivot from President Mnangagwa, Mrs Tambudzai Kandiye who ploughed 50 hectares for wheat said the dam project was transforming communities.
“This is the first time we are planting wheat here (Muchekeranwa dam vicinity). Not so long ago we could not do so due to shortage of water.
“Since the commissioning of the dam we are now managing to plant all year round. We have just harvested maize and now we have planted our wheat. Thanks to the leadership of President Mnangagwa,” he said.
While commissioning Chivhu Dam, the chairperson of Chivhu Irrigation Scheme Private Limited, Mr Wilfred Dzimba, said they are now taking agriculture as a business and will ensure land is used productively.
“I thank the President for uplifting lives. Thank you for considering us. We thought money was only found in Harare, but now we are aware that our land is a source of money.
“We have land now; we are doing agriculture activities and earning a living. All this will lead to the attainment of Vision 2030. Once again, thank you, our President.”
Amai Mutomba, a beneficiary of the scheme, said the project has brought about massive transformation to their lives.
“I am happy to have benefited from this scheme.
“Thank you, our President, for this. We are doing commercial farming and this will enable us to earn an income. We are now capable of sending our children to better schools, all because of this scheme.
“What Government has done for us is commendable, we are already realising Vision 2030,” she said.
leeroy