Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Government under the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP) has rehabilitated 10 irrigation schemes in Matabeleland South Province as part of efforts to de-risk agriculture and mitigate climate change related droughts.
It also aims to climate-proof agriculture in order to improve food and nutrition security at household level and ensure the realisation of Vision 2030.
The objectives are in line with President Mnangagwa’s plan to irrigate 350 000 hectares by 2025 up from 171 000 hectares in 2020. The area under irrigation has increased to over 187 471 hectares courtesy of SIRP and other programmes.
Matabeleland South acting provincial irrigation engineer Mr Shepherd Mpotegwa confirmed the latest development saying the irrigation schemes went through various levels of rehabilitation.
“Ten irrigation schemes have so far been revitalised by the SIRP. Tshikwalakwala Irrigation Scheme which covers 65 hectares in Beitbridge saw the conversion of diesel power to solar, drilled and equipped 11 boreholes in Limpopo River. It also saw the construction of blending tank and irrigation piped surface system, installation of conveyance, main and delivery pipeline. There was construction of 5-kilometre access road and 4-kilometre elephant trap channel,” said Mr Mpoteregwa.
Gwanda District in Matabeleland South Province has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Government initiated irrigation revitalisation programme that has seen five schemes covering 427 hectares being rehabilitated to date.
“Sebasa in Gwanda District which covers 65 hectares witnessed the conversion of diesel power to solar, drilled eight boreholes in Tuli River, laying of a pipeline and construction of canals and barrage. Guyu-Chelesa also in Gwanda covering 85 hectares had six boreholes drilled in Tuli River where installation of conveyance and infield pipeline, installation of two transformers, installation of booster pump sets, repaired night storage tank revitalisation of a 32-hectare sprinkler irrigation system, extension of 32 hectares by 53 hectares to 85 hectares of sprinkler system were done. Installation of boundary fence, bush clearing of 54 hectares was also part of the project,” said Mr Mporetegwa.
He said another irrigation scheme in Gwanda which was revitalised was the Makwe covering 206 hectares. SIRP repaired night storage dam, constructed a new booster pump, installed a transformer and 60-hectare centre pivot as well as 146 hectare piped surface system.
“Still in Gwanda, Mankonkoni Irrigation Scheme which sits on 40 hectares got boreholes drilled and equipped in Tuli River. There was installation of conveyance pipeline and construction of infield canals. Upgrading of step-down transformer 50 to 100kva as well as the upgrading of Mashaba Mini Solar grid system by 99 kilowatts. Rustlers Gorge covering 31 hectares in Gwanda saw the drilling and equipping of boreholes in Shashi River. It also witnessed the construction of infield canals, upgrading of step down transformer 50 to 100kva. Upgrading of Mashaba Solar mini grid system by 99kw,” said Mr Mporetegwa.
Other irrigation schemes include Silalabuhwa in Insiza District which covers 442 hectares where dam inlet and outlet valves were replaced and repaired at Silalatshani Dam.
The two-kilometre upright conveyance canal was revitalised while 600mm x 800m asbestos pipe was replaced. Outlet valves on two Silalabuhwa night storage dams were replaced and there was rehabilitation of infield canals in Pelandaba section.
He said the last two irrigation schemes that were revitalised are in Mangwe District which are Bambanani sitting on 111 hectares which saw the installation of a seven-kilometre high tension electric line and two transformers, installation of pumping plant at dam and booster pump.
It was also installed with a two-kilometre conveyance pipeline while Thornville Irrigation Scheme in the same district had nine kilometres of the conveyance canal and infield canal revitalised.
The revitalisation of these irrigations has not only ensured food security for the communities and country at large, but has empowered the livelihoods of villagers towards rural industrialisation. — @nyeve14
Online Reporter