adminSenior Reporter
CHIEF Mabhikwa of Lupane yesterday called for the revamping of irrigation schemes in the district in order to enhance improved food production.
In an interview in Jotsholo, Chief Mabhikwa said a majority of families in Lupane did not get good yields from the last farming season.He said the resuscitation of irrigation schemes was going to ensure continuous food production throughout the year.
“There is a need to revamp irrigation schemes in Lupane. We have Arda here in Jotsholo and Tshongogwe irrigation schemes which have the capacity to produce more food if well supported,” said the youthful Chief Mabhikwa.
“However, at the moment these schemes are not adequately equipped.
“They do not have the requisite equipment such as tractors. The entire infrastructure is depleted.
“There is also a challenge of water, which makes it difficult for the scheme to run effectively. We appeal for assistance towards revamping these projects. We are not happy at all to have all that piece of land lying idle.”
Chief Mabhikwa urged authorities at Arda to engage the local community and make them partners in the project.
The local community, he said, has the capacity to help mobilise funding and other resources that could enhance production.
“Most families did not get good yields and given these irrigation schemes people could really benefit. It is pleasing that Tshongogwe irrigation project is being run by locals and there is some activity there compared to Arda.
“We also urge the authorities to dredge silt from the supply dams, which cannot hold much water now as they have accumulated a lot of sand,” said Chief Mabhikwa.
Meanwhile, Chronicle visited Tshongogwe irrigation scheme where villagers have grown wheat.
The place was a hive of activity as farmers were busy watering their crop.
Those who were interviewed said the irrigation scheme was their source of income.
“We did not get anything from the fields and working in this project is helping us a lot. We also grow tomatoes and vegetables for sale and some for consumption,” said one of the villagers.
Committee members for the project were not around to comment about the project.
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