Irrigation boost for Jairos Jiri

Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
Jairos Jiri Association has received irrigation equipment from the Germany Embassy for its Gleneagles Farm in Budiriro, Harare, which largely grows food for the association’s centres.

The equipment, which was officially handed over last week by Germany Embassy representative Mrs Dagmar Traub-Evans, comprised drip irrigation equipment for two hectares, the installation of the main water supply line, three borehole pumps, a pressure tank, a 5 000 litre water tank and electrical connections.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Jairos Jiri national executive director Mr Wilson Ruvere said the donation will go a long way in not only providing water at the farm, but the community at large.

“The infrastructure will ensure long-term sustainability of the association’s educational rehabilitation and developmental, current and future projects through provision of funding from operational surplus,” he said.

“It will also ensure food security for the children’s centres and providing balanced nutritional requirements through vegetable consumption.”

Mr Ruvere said the infrastructure will help in employment creation for youths and women with disabilities and the community at large. He said the donation aided in the improvement of the quality of lives for children in their care, particularly those at the Waterfalls centre.

Mrs Evans said the embassy was happy to partner with Jairos Jiri to improve the lives of children living with disabilities.

“Production has been falling behind due to economic challenges and we are there to help them improve production at the farm,” she said. “I am happy for the children and young adults who will have access to this farm.”

Aspiring Member of Parliament for Southerton Cde Andrew Makahamadze said they were humbled with the donation, as it was empowering the association.

Cde Makahamadze encouraged the staff of Jairos Jiri to put the equipment to good use in order to receive more from the Embassy.