Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Republic of Korea, through developmental partners KIA Corporation, Korea Food for the Hungry International, as well as Zimbabwe Food for the Hungry International, has handed over a fully operational agriculture hub as well as mining equipment to ward 1 residents in Hwedza district, a gesture aimed at empowering and transforming Hwedza people.
The two projects were operating under the Green Light Project.
The Mikoro Agriculture Hub was established in 2023 and has been operating under the supervision of the sponsor, and now the entire project has been handed over to the community.
Besides the hub, the community also received a vehicle which is meant to support the hub’s operations.
Those who could not benefit from the agriculture hub benefited from mining equipment and skills to boost operations.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the Mikoro Agriculture Hub recently, was presided over by the Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo as well as the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Park Jae Kyung.
The hub, which sits on one hectare, comprises two fish ponds, a solar-powered borehole and offices.
Mikoro Agriculture Hub is one of many projects being done by the Republic of Korea in Mashonaland East province.
In his remarks, Advocate Ndudzo commended the Republic of Korea and partners for the projects.
“It is my distinct honour to stand before you today at this remarkable Mikoro Agricultural Hub as we mark the official closing of the Green Light Project and celebrate the meaningful partnership that has transformed livelihoods across our province and beyond,” he said.
“Let me begin by extending my sincere appreciation to Kia Corporation of the Republic of Korea, and to Korea Food for the Hungry International and Zimbabwe Food for the Hungry International, for their unwavering commitment to the people of Zimbabwe.
“This project, implemented over the past three years from 2023 to 2025, reflects what can be achieved when international partners, government institutions, and local communities work together in genuine collaboration.
“The Green Light Project has not merely provided infrastructure, it has illuminated a pathway toward self-reliance, dignity, and sustainable development, moving communities from vulnerability to empowerment.”
Advocate Ndudzo expressed his satisfaction over the impact brought by the project in Hwedza and across the province.
“As we review the results presented today, I am deeply encouraged by the tangible impact this project has delivered,” he said.
“Over 34 273 beneficiaries have been reached across our province and beyond. An estimated US$ 84 861 in income has been generated through agricultural production, with more than 36 000 kilogrammes of produce harvested, strengthening food security and household incomes.
“Fourteen agricultural management committees and three mining management committees have been established, institutionalising community ownership and ensuring this infrastructure continues to serve our people long after this project closes.
“I am particularly heartened that women represent 43 percent of membership in agricultural committees, a significant achievement reflecting our national commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.”
He went on to say that there are a lot of benefits brought about by the hubs to the communities.
“Perhaps the most profound transformation has been in access to clean water. Before this project, our communities walked two to three kilometres to access water. Today, thanks to solar-powered water systems installed across fourteen hubs, clean water is available within 500 metres. Water collection time has been reduced from nearly one hour to less than fifteen minutes, returning hours to families, enabling children to attend school, and freeing women from the daily burden of fetching water.
“We have also seen a significant reduction in water-related diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera,” he said.
“I am particularly moved by what I have witnessed here at Mikoro. This hub represents the very best of what this project has achieved.
“The community’s commitment has attracted additional support, including fencing assistance, and their initiative in registering as a cooperative under the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has opened doors to financial opportunities and loans.”
Advocate Ndudzo also said the project’s support to mining communities through worker resting facilities and equipment, including jaw crushers, hammer mills, gold separators, generators, and safety gear, has significantly improved workplace safety and operational conditions.
Speaking about the handover of a Kia Sportage vehicle which was left under the care of the Hwedza district development coordinator, Advocate Ndudzo said the vehicle will support community development activities, public service-related activities, and sustainability efforts for initiatives established through the project.
In his remarks, Ambassador Park implored the people of Hwedza to fully utilise the project.
He also thanked several partners who had made the establishment of the agriculture hub a success.
“I would like to express my sincere to KIA Corporation and Korea Food for the Hungry International,” he said.
“Their partnerships have shown how private companies, Non-Governmental Organisations, Government institutions and local communities can work together to improve people’s lives.
“My country, Korea, strongly believes that sustainable development is achieved through partnerships. This project has supported agriculture, strengthens livelihoods, created opportunities for young people and empowers communities. The people of Hwedza are important and we should continue working together.”
A beneficiary of the project, Ms Noleen Katandawa, said the hub has improved her life and that of the community.
“We are earning a living through selling what we grow here. We do vegetables, onions, carrots and tomatoes,” she said.
“Also, the community had no safe water point for drinking. But now we have safe water through the borehole drilled here.”
Another beneficiary, Mr Colet Madzika, also said they have seen an improvement on their livelihoods.
He thanked those who financed the establishment of the project in ward 1.
