adminLeonard Ncube in BingaTHE First Lady, Cde Grace Mugabe, has taken over the supervision of the resuscitation of Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga. Cde Mugabe yesterday sent a delegation led by Cde Stein Berejena who is a director in her office and Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Cde Cain Mathema to meet traditional leaders from Binga district and inform them about the new development.
She assured the people of Binga of her commitment to spearhead the operationalisation of the scheme as a matter of urgency. Most of the equipment, that include tractors and three disc ploughs is already on site.
Briefing hundreds of people who included traditional leaders and heads of government departments at the Binga Rural District Council offices in the morning, Cde Mathema said Cde Mugabe had assured them that the first crops will be planted next month.
“We’re here with Cde Berejena on behalf of the First Lady who sent us to brief chiefs that we’re now starting work on the 250-hectare scheme and by end of August we want to see the first crop planted.
“She will now be spearheading the project and she will come here on a date to be decided. The First lady has said she is concerned by delays in implementing this project and she wants results,” said Cde Mathema.
The multimillion-dollar irrigation project has since 2004 been failing to take off due to funding challenges.
The government has identified the scheme as key to the fulfilment of some of the objectives of its economic blueprint, Zim-Asset.
Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme is expected to boost food production in Binga.
Cde Mugabe decided to spearhead the project which should cover 15,000 hectares of land, with 250 hectares earmarked for the first phase.
From Binga town, Cde Mathema and Cde Berejena led the team to the site of the irrigation scheme to view implements that have been delivered.
The implements, which include five tractors, three disc ploughs, two rom discs, three planters, three fertiliser spreaders, 75 knapsack sprayer, eight pumps and four pivots, were sourced through the Brazilian input scheme which was launched by President Mugabe a few months ago.
Cde Mathema said three other irrigation schemes in Binga namely Mlibizi, Lungwalala and Nabusenga will receive similar implements under the same facility.
In an interview, Cde Berejena said Cde Mugabe was concerned that Bulawayo Kraal, which requires about $1,8 million for the first phase of irrigating 250 hectares, has faced numerous challenges in the past.
“The First Lady’s target is to have 250 hectares planted by August 30,” he said.
Online Reporter