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Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
THE First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe is today expected to visit Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga as part of the government efforts to operationalise the project this year. Bulawayo Kraal is one of the major projects for the province identified under Zim-Asset. The visit, which will also cover other irrigation schemes at Lungwalala and Mlibizi, follows a similar undertaking by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko last month when he ordered Matabeleland North Minister of State Ambassador Cain Mathema to mobilise graders from all districts in the province to start clearing the 250 hectares earmarked for the first phase of the project.
During his visit, VP Mphoko said the irrigation scheme should be operational by end of the year without fail as it was key to the development of Binga.
The multi-million dollar project, which has been failing to take off due to funding challenges since 2004 when it was initiated, should cover 15,000 hectares of land.
About $1, 8 million is needed for the first phase.
Provincial Administrator Latiso Dlamini yesterday confirmed she was going to Binga with the advance team ahead of today’s visit.
“Yes there’s a team that is coming but I can’t give you details now. I’m on my way to Bulawayo Kraal and I think it’s best that you come and witness for yourself,” she said.
A meeting was held yesterday afternoon at Binga Rural District Council offices in preparation for the visit.
Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme, which should alleviate hunger and poverty in Binga district and beyond, is earmarked for sugarcane, sugar beans, maize, bananas, wheat, soya beans, among other crops.
VP Mphoko said some maize should be planted without fail this year on the 250 hectares.
The irrigation will draw water from Lokola River and a pump station has been installed.
Binga district has 139,000 people and everyone is expected to benefit from the scheme.
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