Irrigation schemes collapse

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There are 17 irrigation schemes in the district and most of them are facing imminent collapse.
The district AREX officer, Mr Masauso Mawocha, made the revelations while briefing a national Zanu-PF delegation on Labour and Production during a tour of Beitbridge last week.
Zanu-PF secretary for Labour and Production, Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire and the party’s deputy secretary for education, Dr Lazarus Dokora, led the delegation.
Mr Mawocha said the department was seized with the state of most irrigation schemes and was appealing to other development agencies to make irrigation a priority in their programmes.
Mr Mawocha said it was worrying that only 200 hectares were being put to good use in all the 17 projects.   He said the situation at most irrigation schemes was deplorable and needed an urgent attention.  He said government had done enough in sponsoring the revival of the irrigation farming but the other development agencies were taking longer to come on board.
“You will note that most irrigation schemes have collapsed while others are on the verge of collapsing owing to a host of challenges including; engine breakdowns, low water table, Zesa load shedding and inadequate inputs.
“As the department we are committed to working with the community in promoting agricultural development and that can only be achieved if other development agencies and stakeholders play their roles.
“However, with the assistance of other non-governmental organisations, we have managed to rehabilitate 25 ha of Chikwalakwala irrigation scheme, established key hole gardens, conservation farming in wards two, three, five and 15, citrus production at Shashe village and to rehabilitate Kwalu Irrigation scheme.