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Vusumuzi Dube in Binga
Bhulaayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme, once a dormant dream, is finally awakening from its slumber as the Binga community gears up to perform ancient rites to cleanse and ensure its smooth operation.
The revival and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) have been instrumental in enhancing food security across the country.
With a timely injection of $600 million from the Government, the Bhulaayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme, formerly Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme, is on the verge of becoming a three-season crop producer, thanks to the power of irrigation. A crucial progress feedback meeting was held yesterday at the site, where the news of its imminent completion within the next two to three weeks was celebrated.
However, what sets this project apart is the fascinating tale of its namesake, Bhulaayo, a legendary figure said to have safeguarded his homestead using mystical means. His 14 wives and a secret planted within their land were believed to have played a role in the scheme’s previous false starts. The project’s success hinges upon appeasing his family through a traditional ceremony, and the Chief Binga-led community has stepped forward to fulfil this crucial rite. Arda has been working closely with the community to allocate funds for this pivotal event.
During a comprehensive tour of the scheme, Mr Titus Munkuli, the scheme’s chairperson, shared intriguing details about the legend of Bhulaayo and the necessity of the traditional ceremony.
“What happened is that there was a man called Bhulaayo who was moved when the irrigation was first conceptualised. He had 14 wives and according to one of his daughters, who is a traditional healer, informed us that her father had planted something within their homestead so as to protect them, which she said was the reason the project was to date failing.
“She informed us that she could remove this item but this could be done only through a traditional ceremony. It now becomes easier after the installation of Chief Binga as there is now someone to lead the ceremony. We submitted a budget to Arda and we are now waiting for the disbursement of funds,” said Mr Munkuli.
Arda’s Matabeleland regional manager, Mr Ndodana Ncube, assured the availability of funds for the ceremony, stressing its priority before water pumping commences.
“I was in discussion with my CEO and he told me the funds are now ready and we will soon be sending a team to work with the community for the holding of this ceremony. This is ceremony is a priority because it has to happen before we start pumping water,” said Mr Ncube.
The project manager, Mr Headman Muzambwa, revealed the impressive progress made, with the pipeline and booster pumps already completed. The remaining task lies in securing the supply of two transformers, after which the project will finally begin.
“The contractor has completed work on the pipeline that will bring water from Lake Kariba to our temporary hold long dam within the irrigation. They have also completed two out of three booster pump houses and the third we are just awaiting the installation of a few cables.
“We have a new pontoon that has been completed right at the lake. We have one transformer that has been installed and we are waiting for two more transformers, once those are installed then the project will be complete,” said Mr Muzambwa.
The scheme envisions a massive 15,000-hectare area once fully cleared, and 150 hectares have already been tilled and prepared for the upcoming crops.
“We had challenges with electricity cables and poles but the entire week the team from Zesa has been on the ground working on this and they have assured us that today (Friday) they would have completed their part.
“We have already tilled 150 hectares which are all ready and just waiting for water to be pumped to the overnight storage. The pivots are also in place hence we can say on our part we are ready,” said the scheme chairperson.
The contractor, Mr Daniel Perlman, expressed optimism about the project’s completion within the next two to three weeks, pending the acquisition and installation of the transformers.
‘Yesterday treasury released an equivalent of US$40 000 of a balance of US$205 000 of which once we get the whole money allocated we will be able to purchase the transformers and install this could be completed within two to three weeks. On Monday my team will be on the ground to complete the cabling for the last booster pump house.
“Fortunately, the Zesa guys are also here to complete their part of which we can now start testing what we have already installed. I am positive though that the remaining funds will be released as the Lands Ministry is engaging treasury. I have been working on this project for the past five years and I also want to see this project completed,” said Mr Perlman.
Once operational, the scheme will cultivate traditional grains like sorghum, sunflower, and maize.
“We had initially set a target to meet the winter wheat planting season but now we are focusing on traditional grains like sorghum, we will also have sunflower and maize. Our pivots are ready and we have already tilled 150 hectares, we just await the water to be pumped to the irrigation,” he said.
Online Reporter