Tafadzwa Dube
CATTLE farmers in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, have received a major boost following the rehabilitation and commissioning of Gali Dip Tank, a development expected to ease the burden of accessing veterinary services while strengthening efforts to protect livestock from deadly tick-borne diseases.
The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, officially commissioned the facility in Ward 24 on Thursday, bringing relief to communal farmers who previously endured long journeys to access cattle dipping services.
The rehabilitation, financed through devolution funds and supported by community participation, represents another significant step towards improving livestock production in a province where cattle farming remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Nguluvhe said the Government remained committed to protecting the national herd through improved veterinary infrastructure, describing livestock development as a critical component of rural economic transformation.
He said the restoration of the facility would strengthen the fight against tick-borne diseases, including redwater, heartwater and gall sickness, which continue to threaten livestock production and household incomes.
For many communal farmers, cattle represent more than a source of food. They provide draught power, finance children’s education and serve as an important measure of household wealth, making livestock disease prevention essential to rural economic security.
Minister Nguluvhe said the project was consistent with the Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which prioritise agricultural productivity, food security and inclusive economic development under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
He commended Matobo Rural District Council, the Department of Veterinary Services and members of the Gali community for working together to restore the facility.
The Minister, however, challenged farmers to take ownership of the infrastructure by observing prescribed dipping schedules and ensuring that cattle movements comply with veterinary regulations.
He emphasised that maintaining healthy livestock was essential to building resilient rural economies, improving household incomes and supporting the growth of livestock-related industries.
The commissioning also highlighted the role of devolution funding in addressing practical development challenges facing rural communities, particularly in areas where access to essential agricultural infrastructure remains critical.
The event was attended by senior Government officials, traditional leaders, councillors, veterinary specialists and farmers, with demonstrations of cattle dipping forming part of the proceedings.
Provincial Veterinary Director Dr E. Mdlongwa was among the officials in attendance, alongside representatives of AGRITEX, Matobo Rural District Council and the Gali Dip Committee.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches communities across the country, regardless of their geographical location.
He concluded the ceremony with a message celebrating the community’s achievement:
“Gali Igeziwe! Matobo Ithoniwe! Zimbabwe Iyaqhuba! Vision 2030 Tichasvika!”
