Mavhunga hails National Budget

Mashonaland Central Correspondent
Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Cde Monica Mavhunga has hailed Government for allocating funds to several provincial projects, which include Dande, Bindura, Semwa and Silverstream dams, in the 2019 National Budget.

Speaking in Kanyemba recently, Cde Mavhunga said 12 irrigation schemes such as Kanyemba, were budgeted for as well as infrastructure for Mariga Primary and Secondary schools.
“As Mashonaland Central, we are happy with the 2019 National Budget,” she said.

“Several projects will be funded from the fiscus and these are Dande Dam, which was allocated $1,5 million, Bindura Dam $14 million, Semwa Dam $18 million and Silverstream Dam $8 million.

“A total of 12 irrigation schemes have been budgeted for at a total cost of $1,9 million which also include Kanyemba Irrigation Scheme which got $150 000, infrastructure for Mariga Primary and Secondary schools that got $300 000 as well as several road construction projects throughout the province.

“I am glad to update you on critical projects that were identified specifically for the development of Kanyemba area which are the construction of a pontoon landing bay which has since been completed and awaiting commissioning, development of a master plan for Kanyemba and upgrading of Falcon Airstrip.

“The upgrading of Chapoto Clinic to a rural service centre, development of road network, 200 hectares of community irrigation, opening up of 2 000 hectares for commercial purposes, improvement of mobile, radio and television network, provision of electricity, construction and surfacing of the Mahuwe to Kanyemba Road, as well as the development of tourism and wildlife management are the other projects.”

Cde Mavhunga said the master plan for Kanyemba and the road rehabilitation remained the main enablers that will drive its development in line with Vision 2030, adding that the Zambian government was ready to dispatch the pontoon ferry, but because they required a permit whose application was processed through the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, they were still waiting for a response.