dyton mupawaenda
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
FARMERS at Chivhu Irrigation Scheme are now reaping the fruits of their efforts, thanks to the Second Republic for constructing Chivhu Dam in Chikomba district.
Construction of Chivhu Dam was wholly funded by Government and was commissioned in 2023 by President Mnangagwa.
The Second Republic has resolved that at every dam constructed, an irrigation scheme should be established and the local people in the area, including those who had to be moved as the lake filled, should benefit first.
For Chivhu Dam, since its commissioning, 45 families are currently doing agricultural activities in the established irrigation scheme.
This season, they have planted maize and sugar beans.
Yesterday, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Advocate Itayi Ndudzo visited the irrigation scheme where he met farmers and also assessed farming activities there.
“Chivhu Dam is one of the flagship projects by the Second Republic which was commissioned by President Mnangagwa. The dam is supplying potable water to the people of Chivhu.
“This dam is serving an important purpose in the food and nutrition cluster. The dam is also a source of irrigation water for the irrigation scheme where 45 families are doing farming activities. I have received testimonies on how the dam has transformed their lives,” Advocate Ndudzo said.
He applauded the President for the project which he said is having a lasting impression on the people of Chivhu and surrounding communities.
Beneficiaries narrated how the project has transformed their livelihoods.
“This irrigation scheme has indeed transformed our livelihoods. We are treating this as a business, hence we are leading better lives.
“As for me, soon after receiving my first dividend, I bought all tyres for my haulage truck. I am running a transport business and I have boosted my business. As I speak the truck is in the Democratic Republic of Congo with a delivery.
“All this has been made possible by the Second Republic. Thank you President Mnangagwa for this empowerment. He gave us this land, centre pivots and other equipment for free. What is left is for us to work hard,” said one of the beneficiaries Mr Cheumwe Nhoto.
Another beneficiary Ms Locadia Muzorori said after she was affected and moved from her place, she was finding it hard to cope. However, she is now earning a lot of money from the irrigation scheme.
“When this irrigation scheme was established, I never thought it would feed us. I was just taking everything for granted. But I was wrong. This is the way to go for me because I am now living a better life.
“My husband passed away and I was without hope. However, from the time I started working at this irrigation scheme, I am now living a better life. I am even sending my child to a better school.
“This project has indeed improved my life. I do not have enough words to thank President Mnangagwa for this,” she said.
Online Reporter