Government develops 25 irrigation schemes in Matebeleland North

GOVERNMENT has developed 25 irrigation schemes in Matabeleland North with over 6 000 families in the province already reaping the benefits as the Second Republic continues accelerating the national development agenda of leaving no one and no place behind.

Over 1 000 hectares are being utilised for agricultural purposes, boosting food security in the country.

Government has made food security a top priority and is working towards a US$8,2 billion agriculture industry economy, contributing 20 percent of GDP by 2025 underpinned by the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) — the driver towards Vision 2030 to make Zimbabwe an upper middle-income economy.

The country has adequate grain in stock for the next two seasons. Government has put in place robust measures encompassing irrigation and agricultural climate-proofing in order to maintain increased production.

All irrigation schemes in Matabeleland North are spread throughout the province’s seven districts with Hwange having the highest number of six irrigation schemes, followed by Umguza which has five irrigation schemes.

Irrigation schemes found in Hwange are Chentali measuring 15 hectares, Lukhosi (21,9 hectares), Musuna (9 hectares), Simangani (4,8 hectares), Makwa (8 hectares), and Chezya (4,8 hectares).

In Binga, there are four irrigation schemes namely: Lungwalala covering 110 hectares, Nabusenga which is 19 hectares, Tyeba (9 hectares) and the massive 400-hectare Bulawayo Kraal.

Bubi district has three irrigation schemes, with the largest being Pollards which covers 45 hectares followed by Hauke measuring 40 hectares, and Diglis which covers 20 hectares.

Lupane also has four schemes with a combined 236,6 hectares of land.

Tshongogwe spreads over 24, 4 hectares, Bubi-Lupane is over 180 hectares, Makhovula measuring 15 hectares and Zinaphi which is 5,2 hectares big.

In Nkayi, there is a 15-hectare Fanison Irrigation Scheme while Tsholotsho has a six-hectare irrigation scheme Eluhlaza irrigation scheme.

In Umguza district there is Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme covering 50 hectares, newly commissioned Redwood covering 51 hectares, Thembanani with 75 hectares and 28 members, Vusanani, the biggest in the district with 100 hectares as well as Alicedale whose total area is 27 hectares.

On Monday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira, who is responsible for Agricultural Colleges, Water Resources, Irrigation Development, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene officially commissioned Redwood Irrigation Scheme. He was accompanied by the Matabeleland North Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo.

In his opening remarks, Minister Moyo said the province remains indebted to the Government and President Mnangagwa for developing the province immensely.

“As a province, we are benefiting from the many projects being implemented by Government such as our flagship project, Lake Gwayi-Shangani. Once complete, the project will transform Matabeleland North into a green belt,” he said.

“In Matabeleland North, we have 25 communal irrigation schemes, with a total of over 1 000 hectares that benefit over 6 000 families. All this is being done by the Government under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa through his visionary leadership.”

Speaking on the commissioning of Redwood Irrigation Scheme in Umguza district on Monday, Minister Moyo said the lives of local communities will be transformed for the better.

“After five years, villagers who are the beneficiaries of the Redwood Irrigation Scheme will bear testimony to the benefits of these schemes. Most of you here will have cement-built houses from the financial rewards that will come through this irrigation,” he said.

Chief Deli of Umguza district said the irrigation schemes in his area have had a positive impact on livelihoods and helped reduce crime, child pregnancies, and school dropouts as parents and guardians are now able to pay school fees.

“We have seen a number of positive things as a result of these irrigation schemes being pushed, more vigorously this time, by the Government. People are getting income and they are now able to meet their financial obligations,” he said.

“We are really appreciative to have such a people-oriented Government as led by President Mnangagwa.”
In September 2021, President Mnangagwa launched the Arda Vision 2030 accelerator model programme at Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme to stimulate rural industrialisation through agricultural development.

Under the model, each district across the country will have 200 hectares under irrigation with the beneficiaries being locals.

The establishment of village business units (VBUs) under the Presidential Rural Development Programme is also contributing immensely to the betterment of lives of people living in rural areas as some are expected to receive dividends of up to US$3 000 yearly.

The VBUs have transformed the lives of villagers across the country through improved food security, employment and enhanced income generation.

The Government initiated the programme through the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and Arda. President Mnangagwa launched the programme in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South in 2021.