Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
Makwe Irrigation Scheme in Gwanda has been allocated US$600 000 under the Government led Small Holder Irrigation Revitilisation Programme (SIRP) to revive the district’s largest irrigation scheme.
The 200-hectare irrigation scheme which is the largest communal irrigation scheme in Gwanda has been lying idle for the past four years after power supply to the irrigation was disrupted because of theft of copper cables.
Established in the 1960s, Makwe Irrigation Scheme was once the bread basket and major source of income for villagers in Gwanda.
Under the rehabilitation project, power will be restored and the water system will be upgraded at the irrigation scheme.
SIRP was launched in November 2017 with the aim to assist the revitalisation of irrigation schemes across the nation through rehabilitation of infrastructure. It is a Government led programme funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Three irrigation schemes have been rehabilitated in Matabeleland South under the SIRP namely Tshikwalakwala, Sebasa and Guyu.
Matabeleland South acting provincial irrigation engineer, Mr Shepard Mpotekwa said the project was at tendering stage.
“US$600 000 has been allocated by IFAD towards rehabilitation of Makwe Irrigation Scheme in Gwanda. The irrigation scheme which is 200 hectares has been lying idle for about four years due to power cuts. Zesa officials are set to start reconnecting the irrigation scheme any day from now,” he said.
“The project of rehabilitating the irrigation scheme is at tendering stage now. Once the tender has been awarded and the contract has been signed then works will begin. Works are expected to begin around September and the project will be completed around April.
Works at the irrigation scheme will mainly involve upgrading the water system.”
He said canals which were used at the irrigation scheme will be replaced with centre pivots. Mr Mpotekwa said the pump house will be revived, conveyance canal and conveyance pipes will be replaced.
He said rehabilitation of Makwe Irrigation Scheme will help to ensure food and nutrition security in the district and across the province.
“Makwe Irrigation Scheme is 200 hectares making it the biggest communal irrigation in the district. If it’s operational then it can significantly contribute towards ensuring food and nutrition security. The irrigation scheme has a reliable source of water which ensure that it operates at full capacity. Once the irrigation scheme is operational, we will engage partners that will come on board to ensure that villagers maximise their production and commercialise their activities,” he said.
Villagers from Makwe area have had to watch in despair the irrigation scheme which was once their source of livelihood lying idle.
They have said revival of the project will improve livelihoods for many. The irrigation can accommodate up to 500 families.
“If the irrigation is operational then we will have a source of livelihood and we will be able to feed our families. We have waited for a very long time for this project to be revived,” said Makwe village head, Mr Innocent Moyo.
Government working with various partners is rehabilitating irrigation schemes that have been lying idle in Matabeleland South Province to improve food and nutrition security and ensure attainment of Vision 2030.
Under the Second Republic, Government is prioritising the revival of the agricultural sector through the development of irrigation schemes to alleviate food insecurity and poverty particularly in rural communities.
A number of irrigations that had been lying idle in the province have been revived while some that were being underutilised have been capacitated and expanded. Investors through partnership with local farmers have also assisted with resources and equipment to enhance underutilised irrigations.
Matabeleland South Province falls under Region 4 and 5 where dry land cropping is a major challenge because of poor rains.
This has made it difficult for farmers to engage in successful crop production. The province is however, endowed with abundant underutilised water resources and good soils with vast potential for cropping under irrigation.
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