Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, yesterday said Government is tirelessly forging ahead with implementation of several capital projects in Matabeleland region as part of its inclusive development focus.
Reiterating that only Zimbabweans will build the country in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” he said nothing should stop locals from coming together to rebuild the country and revive all sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the reopening of the Cold Storage Company (CSC) —Boustead Beef in Bulawayo, Vice-President Chiwenga said the Second Republic was determined to transform the country through inclusive approaches that ensure all parts of the country contribute more towards national development.
“The rejuvenation of the livestock sector completes the trust by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that together we will build our country brick by brick and stone upon stone and leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
“We say ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo”, which loosely means that only the country’s citizens can develop Zimbabwe.
“No one will come and build our country except ourselves. People must stop daydreaming that other people will come and build our country, it is us. Let’s remember that.”
Dr Chiwenga said the Government projects being implemented in Matabeleland region were visible to all and made reference to the massive Lake Gwayi-Shangani project, its pipeline to Bulawayo and the envisaged agricultural greenbelt.
Government is also implementing a 600 megawatts US$1,4 billion Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 expansion, whose first phase is expected to be complete in November.
There are also several capital projects in different parts of the region covering roads, health, education and social amenities.
The construction of the Lake Gwayi-Shangani is a major component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, and is among the flagship projects being undertaken by the Government in the region.
Lake Gwayi-Shangani construction is expected to provide a permanent water solution for Bulawayo and Matabeleland region.
Communal irrigation schemes are already being developed while commercial ones will follow along the pipeline from Lake Gwayi-Shangani to Bulawayo to spur rural development in five districts of Matabeleland North province.
There are plans not only to provide irrigation water but to also generate hydro-electricity and set up fisheries.
“We are going to construct water reservoirs for crop growing and for cattle feedlots so that before cattle are taken for slaughter at CSC, they would have acquired the required live mass weight.
“The same will happen in the Binga area where we are developing the Bulawayo Kraal and developing 15 000 hectares for crops, fisheries and for feedlots,” said Dr Chiwenga.
“It will go down the Zambezi River to Kanyemba.”
Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme is envisaged to promote food and nutrition security in the dry Binga District and Matabeleland North Province, as well as the entire country, especially in the wake of effects of climate change and recurrent drought.
In Matabeleland South, Dr Chiwenga said the Government is speeding up and ensuring that the 2023 budget must have enough money to complete the Tuli-Manyange Dam.
The dam, with a holding capacity of 35 million cubic metres of water, is a significant milestone under the Second Republic in improving the livelihood of rural communities as it will provide raw water for irrigation purposes.
It is envisaged that once Tuli-Manyange Dam is complete, at least 2 000 hectares will be put under irrigation. The dam is expected to service Vela, Guyu Business Centre, Ntalale Business Centre, Chelesa Business Centre, Sizhubane Barracks, Manama Mission and Business Centre, Sebasa and Mankonkoni irrigation schemes.
“Whatever people will say, Zimbabwe will never be the same again and we will continue to build the country,” said Dr Chiwenga.
Online Reporter