adminMunyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
THE Government has intervened to rescue Mundi-Mataga Irrigation Scheme in Mberengwa also known as Biri after it collapsed three years ago when its water pipes were swept away by runoff following incessant rains. In an attempt to revitalise Mberengwa’s lifeline, Government donated nine tractors, 200 bags of cement, pipes and helped in the resuscitation of the water pump at Mundi-Mataga Dam.
The irrigation also had $79 235 debt in water bills written-off by Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to ensure viability and imminent revival of the irrigation scheme which benefits over 10 000 people in Mataga.
Biri Irrigation Chairman, Mrs Docas Masendu said about $21 000 was needed for the revival of the irrigation scheme.
“We ceased activities at the irrigation some three years ago. This was after our pipes were swept away by the rains. The dire situation was worsened by the debt we had to Zinwa. We were struggling to pay it because we were not receiving our payments on time from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) after delivering our grain,” she said.
Ms Masendu said the irrigation was still grappling with Zinwa and Zesa bills albeit the water authority writing off their debt.
“We entered into a new agreement with Zinwa and we were asked to pay $1 000. After we paid the money Zinwa went on to disconnect water claiming that we should pay over $5 000 before we start using water. This has been a huge setback because we haven’t started farming and we are still buying the inputs and preparing to resume activities,” she said.
At its peak Biri used to deliver close to 1 000 tonnes of maize to GMB and has the capacity of feeding half of Mberengwa district.
Biri has about 500 plot holders.
Mberengwa Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Julius Mashavakure said the revival of Biri Irrigation Scheme will also uplift Mataga Growth Point.
“The irrigation scheme is the backbone of Mataga Growth Point in Mberengwa. Its revival will transform the lives of the people of Mberengwa for the better,” he said.
derick.khumalo