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From George Maponga at TUGWI-MUKOSI DAM
The Technical Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Tugwi-Mukosi has pledged to intensify the roll out of the dam’s anchor projects for the country to immediately start accruing tangible economic benefits from the $300 million water body, in line with Government’s Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) which promotes smart agriculture.
Tugwi-Mukosi was commissioned in May 2017 and Government approved 14 anchor projects that will be rolled out in and around the dam.
Speaking at the end of a visit by the Tugwi-Mukosi Technical Inter-Ministerial Taskforce, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Perrance Shiri said the country’s expectations were high on the multi-million-dollar national project.
“Today’s visit is important in realising the intended outputs from Tugwi-Mukosi. Expectations across the country are very high from this national project and it is the hope of many that this project will result in the greenbelt of Chivi and Masvingo districts,’’ he said.
“The 14 anchor projects summarise the investment that can be realised in and around the dam. The take home message is that the technical inter-ministerial team and working party of senior officials should continue working on the anchor projects in parallel with the completion of the master plan. We commend the work that has been done so far.’’
Minister Shiri, who chairs the taskforce, expressed optimism that Treasury will continue to support the Tugwi-Mukosi project to realise its full potential and help to quickly propel Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy by 2030 in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision.
The minister said top on the list of Tugwi-Mukosi low-hanging fruits was construction of a mini-hydro power plant.
Government has already awarded a power-producing licence to an investor with feasibility studies already underway.
“The electricity generated here should be able to power this area of Chivi and Masvingo. I urge those involved in the construction of this project to work collectively and complete it in the shortest possible time.’’
Tourism development at the dam could also immediately kick-off with islands dotted in the dam idle for construction of hotels, chalets, fisheries projects and harbour sites.
Minister Shiri said the consultant working on the irrigation feasibility study has identified close to 100 000 hectares of potential irrigable land from where 25 000ha will be set aside for irrigation using Tugwi-Mukosi water. At full capacity the dam has potential to irrigate 25 000ha.
In his submission, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development minister Professor Amon Murwira said it was also imperative for Government to rope in tertiary institutions such as the Great Zimbabwe University and Midlands State University to work with those involved in the drawing of the master plan as part of efforts to speed up the exercise.
This was after Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira had expressed concern over delays in making sure Tugwi-Mukosi starts benefiting the people of Masvingo.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza called for a consultative approach in crafting the master plan.
Online Reporter