adminLovemore Zigara Business Correspondent
SHURUGWI’s Tongogara Community Share Ownership Trust (TCSOT) and Zvishavane Community Share Ownership Trust (ZCSOT) have embarked on a programme to rehabilitate irrigation schemes in the two districts. President Robert Mugabe has already declared a state of disaster following the drought which has severely affected some areas in both communal and resettlement areas across the country.
TCSOT is setting aside $100,000 for the rehabilitation of three irrigation schemes while their Zvishavane counterparts are targeting four irrigation schemes giving priority to Mabwematema Irrigation Scheme.
ZCSOT is seeking the services of a consultant for the development of a viable development business model for the irrigation schemes.
Chief Mafala, the board chairman of ZCSOT, said the trust is also targeting to resuscitate Mopane and rehabilitating Chomunyaka Dam in Chionekano Ward for the setting up of a new irrigation scheme.
“The projects are in the pipeline and we want to expedite them in light of successive years of drought. We’re seeking expertise to kick start Mabwematema so that it becomes functional as soon as possible.
“Quotations that we’ve indicate that the project will cost around $300,000. After that we’ll move to other projects in Mopane as well as rehabilitate Chomunyaka Dam,” said Chief Mafala.
In Shurugwi the trust seeks to rehabilitate Gutsaruzhinji which has 80 hectares and the 20 hectare Adair Farm.
Ruchanyu irrigation scheme, which is operational, will undergo maintenance work to improve efficiency and boost production levels.
Chairman of the TCSOT, Chief Nhema, said they will set aside $100, 000 for the projects.
“We’re in the process of compiling quotations and indications are that the equipment of the three irrigation schemes might cost around $100,000. We’re looking for water pumps and equipment for Gutsaruzhinji and Adair Irrigation Schemes to enable them to draw water from Mutevekwi River.
“Ruchanyu is operational but the challenge is that it has old pumps. As a trust we intend to replace the pumps with a new one so that we increase efficiency at the scheme,” he said.
The developments at the two trusts come as the government is considering taking over unproductive irrigation schemes to mitigate the effects of drought.
The government has directed that more resources should be availed for the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes across the country to mitigate the effects of drought.
Online Reporter