adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
INGWIZI irrigation scheme in Mangwe District is set to re-open next month after it was closed for about a year over an unpaid water bill. The water supplies to the irrigation scheme were cut over a $90,000 water bill which is supposed to be paid to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority by ARDA and villagers. National House of Assembly Member for Mangwe, Obedingwa Mguni said the irrigation scheme was being underutilised.
“The irrigation scheme was operating under ARDA but the company has since aborted its operations. A new company Crek will be taking over the commercial section where crops are cultivated under irrigation.
“The company has been holding several meetings with the community in preparation for their entry. Outgrowers who comprise villagers will be starting their operations beginning next month,” said Cde Mguni.
He said the new company had retained 50 employees that were previously engaged by ARDA.
Cde Mguni said villagers were doing preliminary work on the irrigation prior to planting their crops.
He said 1,000 hectares of the irrigation scheme had been set aside for commercial use but only 500ha were being utilised. Cde Mguni said 100 hectares was for outgrowers but only 20 hectares were being cultivated.
“In the past the irrigation farm was operational but it was being underutilised. Villagers couldn’t access farming land as they were expected to pay before planting,” said Cde Mguni.
He said as a result only a few villagers could afford to pay the required fees.
“We’ve engaged this new company and they agreed that villagers will be paying after harvesting their crops,” said Cde Mguni.
He said growing crops under irrigation was the only way villagers could be guaranteed food as the area receives erratic rains.
A villager from Ingwizi area, Albert Dube, said they were looking forward to the irrigation scheme re-opening. He said charges for farming land were, however, beyond the reach of many villagers.
“For starters we were previously required to pay upfront for farming land,” said Dube.
Online Reporter