Irrigation boost for villagers

Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Villagers in Chiredzi South have been challenged to fully utilise six rehabilitated irrigation schemes to produce horticultural products, which are in short supply across the country. Last month, Government announced that it will not renew permits for companies that were importing horticultural products. Chiredzi South legislator Retired Brigadier-General Kalisto Gwanetsa last week said his constituency was known for exporting horticultural products to Mozambique, but this stopped when most irrigation schemes collapsed.

Irrigation schemes such as Manjinji and Magogogwe crumbled 17 years ago after being destroyed by strong winds and rainfall. Rtd Brig-Gen Gwanetsa said since most of the irrigation schemes have been rehabilitated, villagers must take advantage and prove their worth in developing Zimbabwe.

“It’s sad that all the irrigation schemes had been defunct, but a lot of effort has been put towards their refurbishment. The Southern Alliance for Indigenous Resources facilitated the installation of modern, solar-powered irrigation equipment and security systems here at Manjinji Irrigation scheme at a cost of $120 000. It’s now time for the farmers to shine and produce for their families, the country and even service the Mozambique market, which they had abandoned,” he said. Rtd Brig-Gen Gwanetsa said the irrigation scheme had the biggest solar-powered irrigation scheme in the province.

“My appeal to you now is utilise this 42ha plot by producing in surplus so that you can supply retail shops and even tap into bigger markets in larger towns.” He said efforts were being made to speed up the full operationalisation of the 200ha Chilonga Irrigation Scheme by next month.

“Chilonga Irrigation Scheme, which is only 23km from Chiredzi Town, was the main supplier of horticultural products to residents, but it has been defunct for the past 10 years, affecting the welfare of the farmers and the consumers,” he said. Rtd Brig-Gen Gwanetsa said new submersible pumps and water delivery systems have already been installed at Chilonga.

“We are now working at creating a water diversion pool which has adequate capacity to hold water for the heavy duty pumps to milk. So we are busy diverting water from the Northern bank to the Southern bank.”