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isani Nsingo, Senior Farming Reporter
LACK of funding is stalling the start of one of the country’s biggest irrigation projects, Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga district’s Matabeleland North Province.
The estimated 5 000-hectare irrigation scheme is part of the more than 10 000-hectare Zambezi Green Valley (Zagreva) project and seeks to ensure a green belt in areas along the Zambezi River stretching from Kazungula to Kariba.
Matabeleland North Department of Irrigation provincial chief engineer Charles Makhula said work at Bulawayo Kraal was at a stand still as Government was still to release $200 000, which was allocated by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to carry out part of the initial work at the site. The first phase has a total budget of $1,8 million.
“We are currently assembling the centre pivot equipment to cover 200 hectares. However, it seems the Rural Electrification Agency is not forthcoming with regards to connecting power for the pumping of water from the source to the field. It is demanding a payment of $130 000 before it carries out any form of work,” Eng Makhula said.
He said other contractors that were meant to carry out work at the site of the irrigation scheme have since pulled out due to non-payment.
“Part of the fencing material is already on site but the contractor is still to bring all of it as it is awaiting payment.
Construction of the seven houses to be used by extension workers at the irrigation stopped at slab level while the pump house which will be used to draw water from the mouth of the source is also still to be constructed,” Eng Makhula said.
He said if funds were to be availed soon preparations for cropping activities was likely to begin in three weeks.
Last year the irrigation scheme was allocated five tractors, three disc ploughs, three planters, 75 knapsack sprays and eight water pumping units under Brazil’s More Food for Africa funding programme.
derick.khumalo