adminFrom Abel Zhakata in Mutare
GOVERNMENT will ensure the speedy completion of Marovanyati Dam in Buhera which is set to ease water shortages bedeviling the fast growing Murambinda Growth Point as well as irrigate the drought prone area, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has said.
Addressing villagers during a tour of several unfinished community projects in the area that were affected by economic sanctions in the last decade VP Mphoko said the completion of the dam would be a game changer to the welfare of villagers in the district.
“I have heard your concerns and I will relay them to the President as you have told me as well as what I have seen on the ground. I am sure the Government will make sure that the dam is completed in the shortest possible time in view of financial constraints affecting our economy because of sanctions.
“The dam is useful in that people will get adequate clean water. There is also need to sink more boreholes in the area to complement water supply and ensure adequate supplies during the hot dry season. If we work hard we will turn this arid area into a hub of agricultural activity.”
At least $33 million is needed to complete the dam which was started in 2003.
VP Mphoko also toured the Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road which also requires urgent rehabilitation.
The road is one of the busiest in the district but is in a bad state.
VP Mphoko said it was not advisable for people to wait for Government to come and rehabilitate the road for it might take a long time considering numerous countrywide projects that also need attention against few resources.
He urged the Buhera District Council to partner with private companies to rehabilitate the road and erect toll gates to collect revenue to repay money used.
“That road is in a bad shape but it’s very important because it is being used by many motorists. I am told $118 million is needed to repair that road which is quite a substantial amount. Our rural council must spearhead the rehabilitation of the road by partnering private companies that have resources. When they repair the road they then erect toll gates and collect money from road users. When that happens we will be able to pay for work done. That is the only way we can do that fast. Waiting for Government intervention will take a long time because resources are not readily available due to sanctions.”
VP Mphoko also urged A1 farmers in the area to fully utilise tractors which have been availed to them by President Mugabe as they will aid agricultural revolution in the area.
“Those tractors are not meant to benefit the big people but small scale A1 farmers and yours are coming. You need to fully utilise them and be able to beat hunger that always stalks this area.”
He commended the people in Buhera for shunning Mr Morgan Tsvangirai in general elections.
“Tsvangirai comes from this area but you showed him the exit door and President Mugabe is aware of that. You are a special people and special things must also happen to you. Don’t fall to cheap opposition politics because they do not have anything to offer you,” he said.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Affairs Cde Mandi Chimene and the Minister of Energy and Power Development Dr Samuel Undenge were part of the team that toured the projects.
Online Reporter