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Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
As part of the Second Republic’s plan of climate proofing agriculture to enhance national food security in the face of changing weather, about 200 households in Maramba are set to benefit from the newly established Saparanyambuya Irrigation Scheme.
The US$2,1 million scheme was funded by Government and will irrigate 100 hectares.
Each of the beneficiary plot holders drawn from Chiutsi and Marekera villages will have 0.5 ha.
Already, testing of irrigation equipment has been successfully done and now what is left is to complete land clearance to pave way for winter wheat cropping.
The scheme, which is the first one in the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe district, is exciting communities, with beneficiaries applauding the New Dispensation for the initiative.
Plans are now underway for beneficiaries to plant wheat this winter.
In an interview with The Herald in Saparanyambuya Irrigation Scheme yesterday, beneficiaries said they will utilise the scheme and ensure food security for their families and the district at large.
Mrs Lucia Zuze from Makuvatsine village said establishment of an irrigation scheme will go a long way in ensuring food security across Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe district.
“I am happy because Government has done this for us. This irrigation scheme is a game-changer in our lives. We are now guaranteed of food security. We will work hard to make sure we do not starve, earn money and take care of our families.
“What makes us happy is that Government has remembered us here. We are now empowered. Even our children will go to good schools.”
Mr Patson Marekera also from Makuvatsine village could not hide his joy and thanked President Mnangagwa for the development which he said will have a positive impact in the community.
“This development is the first of its kind in our district and we are so happy that Government is doing this for us. Yes I am now old but even if I die, I will be at peace knowing that my children will be food secure.
“I want to thank President Mnangagwa for bringing this scheme at Saparanyambuya.”
Baba Titus Marekera weighed in, saying if used positively, the scheme will make them rich.
“Thank President Mnangagwa for this irrigation. This scheme will transform our lives here in Saparanyambuya. This is the first irrigation in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe and we are grateful.”
Maramba Pfungwe legislator Cde Tichawona Karumazondo (ZANU PF) commended the initiative by Government and thanked President Mnangagwa for such a massive development in his constituency, aimed at ensuring food security for the people.
“This is the first Government established irrigation scheme in the UMP district and we are excited about it. The scheme will be a source of income for the people. Some will be able to send their children to school using proceeds from the irrigation scheme.
“The livelihoods of people will definitely change. The temperatures in that area are most suitable for horticulture and farmers will get good money from that. UMP is in region 4 and we receive erratic rains so the irrigation scheme comes at the right time for the people.”
Online Reporter