Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
THE rehabilitation of Wanezi Dam and the establishment of the Wanezi Irrigation Scheme in Insiza District have ush-ered in a new era of agricultural production and improved livelihoods for local communities, with the projects being officially commissioned today by the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources, Dr Anxious Masuka.
The 35-hectare irrigation scheme, established in 2024 following the rehabilitation of Wanezi Dam, comprises 74 mem-bers and is expected to significantly boost food security and household incomes in the area.
Constructed in 1952, Wanezi Dam was for decades a major source of livelihood for surrounding communities before it was severely damaged by Cyclone Dineo in 2016, leaving villagers struggling to access water for domestic use, livestock and agricultural production.
The dam was rehabilitated in 2024 under the Community Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Project (CAWEP), which was funded by the United Kingdom Government and implemented by the United Nations Development Pro-gramme (UNDP) in partnership with Government departments.
The rehabilitation has since triggered wide-ranging socio-economic development within the community.
Beyond supporting the newly established irrigation scheme, the dam is also supplying water to two schools and a sev-en-hectare school irrigation project.
The community has further benefited from Government’s Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, under which 10 000 tilapia fingerlings were stocked in the dam to promote fish production and improve nutrition and household in-comes.
In addition, two piped water schemes benefiting about 400 households have been established, improving access to safe and reliable water supplies.
Infrastructure development has also been enhanced through the construction of a bridge that has eased movement for villagers who previously struggled to access essential services and facilities.
The bridge provides critical access for learners travelling to Wanezi High School and Shamba Primary School and con-nects communities to Skuta Business Centre.
It also provides an important transport link for farmers operating under the Wanezi Irrigation Scheme, improving ac-cess to markets and reducing transport challenges for agricultural produce.
The projects are expected to strengthen climate resilience, improve food security and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities in Insiza District.
