Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
GOVERNMENT is working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)to establish an 87-hectare irrigation scheme in Insiza District that will be supported by a dam that will also be constructed nearby to benefit the community and Wanezi Mission.
The irrigation scheme which is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is being established under the Community Climate Adaption Water and Energy Project (CAWEP).
Similar irrigations schemes will also be established in Chipinge, Chivhu and Binga Districts. All four projects have been allocated US$4,5 million.
In Insiza District a consultant, Shamah Water Engineering has been engaged to carry out a feasibility study which is expected to be completed within the next two weeks before a contractor is engaged.
The new irrigation scheme is set to be operations by mid next year. A dam will also be established to support the irrigation scheme.
Speaking recently in Gwanda during an inception meeting that was attended by members of the Matabeleland South Provincial Water and Sanitation Sub Committee, UNDP CAWEP irrigation engineer Edmore Mutsavi said the target was to irrigate 87 hectares but the area will be ascertained once the feasibility study is complete.
“The gross target for now is 87 hectares based on the information that is available so far. The feasibility study will help to come out with the actual design of the irrigation ascertain the type of irrigation system that will be used, water system, the amount of land that will be placed under irrigation, whether resettlement areas might be affected, the type and size of dam that will be established for the irrigation scheme,” he said.
“Various stakeholders including the community members will be engaged as there is need to capture the concerns of the community and other stakeholders who will be involved. The purpose of this meeting is for the consultant to meet with relevant stakeholders at provincial level in order to get their inputs and to bring you on board with what this programme is all about. From here we will move to the district to engage other stakeholders.”
Mr Mutsavi said the total hectarage can either be increased or reduced depending on the feasibility study.
UNDP CAWEP project manager, Mr Solomon Mutambara said the feasibility study will also help to determine the type of crops that will be suitable for the soil and potential markets.
He said the thrust of the project is to build resilience among communities and institutions.
“The feasibility study is expected to have been completed within the next three months and then a contractor will be engaged to conduct the civil works. The water that will be captured by the dam will be taken into consideration to determine the net hectarage for the community and the school,” he said.
Government working with various partners is rehabilitating irrigation schemes that have been lying idle in Matabeleland South Province as part of its accelerated rural industrialisation drive.
Some irrigation schemes that had remained pipe dreams for decades have been established. Government is prioritising the revival of the agricultural sector to alleviate food insecurity and poverty particularly in rural communities as it works towards attainment of Vision 2030
Bambanani irrigation Scheme in Mangwe District which had been lying idle for about 15 years is being rehabilitated. Works at the irrigation scheme which is in Sanzukwi area are set to be completed by end of June.
US$800 000 has been allocated towards the project under the Small Holder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP).
Online Reporter