Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
AS the country celebrates 42 years of Independence today the people of Matabeleland will take the opportunity to reflect on the gains so far recorded in their communities aimed at uplifting their lives since the country won its independence from the British.
There have been murmurs of marginalisation but to put every area on an equal footing, the Government under the Second Republic has rolled out various infrastructural development projects which have brought huge impact to the region’s economy.
Examples include construction of Tuli-Manyange Dam in Gwanda, Matabeleland South which will not only bring development to the dry region but will facilitate rural industrialisation. The project is set to transform the dry region of Gwanda.
It is envisaged that once Tuli-Manyange Dam is complete, at least 2 000 hectares will be put under irrigation. The dam is expected to service a number of business centres and irrigation schemes in the area.
Construction of two saddle dams at the irrigation is underway at 60 percent completion. A newly constructed coffer dam at the project site is already providing water for livestock and the community.
In Matabeleland North Government has embarked on the construction of Gwayi-Shangani Dam. The project is expected to be completed by year-end after Government allocated $4,5 billion towards the project. Government has embarked on the second phase of the dam construction which is the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani- Bulawayo pipeline set to be completed at the end of the next year.
The dam, with a holding capacity of 650 million cubic metres of water, is a significant milestone under the Second Republic in improving the livelihood of rural communities through the creation of an irrigation greenbelt for communities in Matabeleland North.
Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction is part of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP) which upon completion is expected to provide a permanent water solution for Bulawayo and Matabeleland Region.
The project started in 1912, but failed to take off under various political administrations but was taken up, sanctified and made a dream come true by the Second Republic.
The revitalised Bubi- Lupane Irrigation Scheme has also restored hope for its farmers. For almost 10 years the irrigation scheme had been lying idle despite its huge potential to improve the locals’ livelihoods.
Today the irrigation scheme has been turned into a green belt. It is one of the flagship Government projects that symbolises hope for nearly 100 families.
Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme is set to transform subsistence agriculture at household level into commercial agriculture as part of rural development industrialisation in line Vision 2030.
The 200-hectare irrigation scheme is set to be a game changer following its revival by Government through the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (Arda).
The irrigation scheme has been identified as a pilot project for an integrated business model to be replicated across all provinces in the country as part of the National Food Security Strategy.
Government working with various partners has also revived a number of irrigation schemes that have been lying idle in Matabeleland Region.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Abedinico Ncube said Government has done a lot to bring development to Matabeleland Region. He said people from the region had to boast and be proud as they recollect their Independence gains.
Cde Ncube said Government promised that it would bring development to the country and it was delivering. He said when people fought to attain Independence it was so that they could fully benefit from their resources.
“As the region of Matabeleland, we have significantly benefited immensely from Government development projects. In Matabeleland South we have seen Government roll out projects in various sectors which include health, education, agriculture and food security among others.
A number of irrigation schemes that had been lying idle in the province have been revived through Government initiatives. Examples include Tshikwalakwala, Guyu-Chelesa, Sebasa irrigations schemes among others,” Cde Ncube said.
He added: “One of the major projects which is underway in the province is construction of Tuli-Manyange Dam. Already the community is benefiting from this project and once complete it will transform the province’s economy.”
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo said his province has significantly benefited from various Government initiated projects.
He said a number of development projects have been initiated using devolution funds. Cde Moyo said schools, clinics, roads, bridges among other projects have been constructed using devolution funds thereby benefiting communities.
He said works to rehabilitate the Bulawayo-Nkayi and Bulawayo- Tsholotsho Roads were underway thanks to Government initiatives.
Cde Moyo said farmers operating at the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme are now enjoying the fruits of the project which was rehabilitated recently.
“I would like to thank Government under the Second Republic for bringing huge development to our area. We are enjoying the gains of our Independence today thanks to Government.
In the province we have Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction which will see 10 000 hectares of land being put under irrigation. This project will greatly benefit the province.
As a result of devolution funds a number of development funds have been initiated in the province and people are enjoying the fruits,” he said.
Gwanda Ward 14 Councillor, Mr Phineas Maphosa said as the community celebrates Independence they will also be celebrating the Tuli-Manyange Dam project which has brought water to their area and the Guyu-Chelesa Irrigation scheme which was rehabilitated recently.
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