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Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MORE projects to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene amenities for the people of Buhera are in the pipeline, Zanu PF aspiring candidate for Buhera Central Constituency, Cde Samson Matema has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of a rally held in his constituency recently, Cde Matema said the initiatives will build on the ongoing Presidential Borehole Scheme to address the perennial water shortages that have plagued the area for a long time.
He said the ruling party’s goal is to create a greenbelt in Buhera, which is a traditionally a semi-arid region.
“More developmental projects that will complement the Presidential Borehole Scheme in alleviating the water challenges faced by the people of Buhera are on the cards. These include more solar-powered boreholes in the area as we are working towards supporting rain-fed and irrigation agriculture in Buhera,” he said.
Cde Matema said Buhera used to be food insecure due to lack of adequate water sources, adding that irrigation schemes set up around dams has helped significantly.
“Buhera Central is in natural region five and in terms of food production and supply, it was insecure before the advent of the Second Republic. In light of that, the Second Republic is working hard to provide the relevant infrastructure around dams and water bodies. We will pivot agricultural activities on Marovanyati and Ruti Dams, the two major water bodies in Buhera District,” he said.
Cde Matema said the construction of the two dams has been beneficial in enhancing the food security of villagers as they are now able to irrigate their crops and store water.
He added that more boreholes will be drilled to increase easy access to water and boost agricultural production.
“We are collaborating with Government, non-State actors and anyone who wants to help us with water supply in the constituency. This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which is about partnerships for the common good,” he said.
Addressing a Women’s League rally at Masasa Business Centre in Buhera Central constituency recently, Zanu PF Women’s League secretary for administration, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa spoke highly of the Presidential Borehole Scheme.
She said the scheme has brought relief and improved the livelihoods of Buhera villagers.
Cde Mutsvangwa said the scheme is a key driver of economic development.
She said the boreholes, coupled with the construction of Marovanyati Dam, have enabled the Buhera community to start economic empowerment initiatives that have improved their living standards.
“The scheme was one of the many projects that reached everyone and every place, thanks to the leadership of President Mnangagwa. He has been leading various initiatives across the nation, including the construction of Marovanyati Dam, which has seen irrigation schemes in Buhera flourishing. The irrigation schemes have given the local people the opportunity to pursue farming projects that were previously hindered by water shortages,” she said.
Cde Mutsvangwa urged party members and supporters to vote for President Mnangagwa and the ruling party’s candidates in the harmonised elections scheduled for Wednesday.
“We need to remain united and vote for Zanu PF candidates to ensure our victory in the harmonised elections,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
Mrs Ruth Nyamutaka said the Presidential Borehole Scheme came at the right time since Buhera residents were grappling with water challenges.
“We receive poor rains and our crops wilt before reaching maturity. We were starving. This project will enable us to grow food for our families.
“In addition to the two dams that were constructed, having a borehole in every village will eradicate food insecurity in Buhera,” she said.
Mrs Susan Kwarire of Kwarire Village said the people of Buhera are thankful to Government for the Presidential Borehole Scheme.
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