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Felex Share in Binga
The First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe yesterday took over the supervision of Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme and ordered the immediate operationalisation of the project to uplift the livelihoods of the people of Binga.
The multi-million-dollar project, which should cover 16 000 hectares, was initiated in 2004, but had been failing to take off due to funding challenges.
The first phase of the project, needing about $2 million, will see about 250 hectares being cleared and thousands of people from the drought-prone area benefiting.
The irrigation scheme has already been allocated tractors, disc ploughs planters and pumping machines secured under Brazil’s More Food for Africa programme.
Amai Mugabe yesterday toured the project and pledged that Binga would never be the same again as the project was taking off.
She said with proper planning, nothing would stop the economic transformation for the people of the area.
“The small businesses that I have run have taught me that proper planning is needed in everything,” she said.
“I now want to start afresh and ensure women and the youths benefit from this project.
“We are transforming this into reality and our future generations should also be beneficiaries of this project.”
Added Amai Mugabe: “I do not want to be associated with failure. I do not want to be given a red card by the people here, so it is time to pull our socks and ensure this is a success.”
Amai Mugabe said the irrigation project had failed to take off for the past 11 years.
The irrigation is part of the Zambezi Green Valley (Zagreva) project, which was officially launched in 2006 and seeks to ensure green belt areas along the Zambezi River, and has been hailed as a major step in addressing the country’s perennial food shortages.
“We have heard about the project, and it was led by some people who thought they would deliver, but failed,” Amai Mugabe said, referring to expelled former Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru who launched the project.
“It was discussed in the Politburo and everyone is taking part, but we should be organised and bear in mind that this is a long-term project. All the concerted efforts we are seeing now should continue such that we ensure that there is sustainability.”
The first phase of the irrigation project will see the cropping of maize, wheat, sugar beans and soya beans.
“This means even our social services will improve because these are cash crops we are talking about,” she said.
“Binga is a drought-prone area, but you are blessed to have the mighty Zambezi River and this is what we are making use of.”
The irrigation scheme will draw water from Lokola River, a push back from the Zambezi River.
Dr Mugabe said traditional leaders should also be part of the project as they are the ones who know the beneficiaries.
Online Reporter