Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has fulfilled his promise to construct a dam in the Defe Dopota area of Gokwe South District in Midlands Province.
The move is a strategic initiative aimed at providing water for the growing Zion Christian Church (ZCC) community as well as supporting the rural industrialisation initiative in line with Vision 2030.
The project is part of the Government’s focus on agriculture and food systems transformation strategy rollout which underscores the commitment to developing the agriculture sector to anchor the rural industrialisation programme.
The multifaceted approach reflects a concerted effort to address the country’s socio-economic needs which is in step with the “leaving no one and no place behind” mantra.
Addressing a gathering of ZCC members at the Zuva raSamere — Big Saturday Service at Defe Dopota Shrine, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka conveyed President Mnangagwa’s unwavering commitment to the socio-economic development of the country.
Minister Masuka highlighted the President’s responsiveness to the needs expressed by Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, emphasising the necessity for a permanent solution to addressing water challenges in the area.
“I have been sent here by President Mnangagwa to tell you that in the past two years, His Grace-Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi and His Excellency have been speaking and His Grace told His Excellency that thousands of congregants are now visiting this shrine every August and therefore the need for a permanent solution to address water challenges and so President Mnangagwa promised to address the situation,” said Minister Masuka.
He said to start with, President Mnangagwa has ensured that six boreholes were drilled across the shrine.
“As you all know, Gokwe is known for low rainfall when we get it. Otherwise, it’s a dry place. So the President gave you six boreholes and these are expected to give you water,” said Minister Masuka amid applause, ululations, and whistling from the happy church members.
He said President Mnangagwa also ordered his Ministry to identify a river where a dam could be constructed to service Defe Dopota catchment.
“The President said look for a place where there is a river where we can construct a dam so that the congregants have enough water during their stay here. So we now have identified the place for the construction of Defe Dam. Now we have a company that is starting on the construction of Defe Dam and construction should start very soon,” said Minister Masuka.
He said in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of an upper middle-income economy by 2030, the dam will be a step in the rural industrialisation drive because they were working on establishing a 500-ha irrigation scheme that will draw water from the dam.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has immense potential to uplift rural communities by generating employment opportunities, improving food security and stimulating economic activities.
Sustainable agricultural practices and targeted policies were essential to unlock the sector’s potential, while creating a conducive environment for rural development.
Presidential support programmes to transform the agriculture sector have been producing meaningful results.
“ZCC church is into farming as evidenced by the green belt we see at the shrine. So the 500 ha irrigation from Defe Dam will push development in the area,” said Minister Masuka.
He said last Tuesday when President Mnangagwa told him that he would be at the shrine for the Zuva raSamere Service, he also indicated that he had grain to give the church.
“I was with the Minister of Public Service, July Moyo and so President Mnangagwa said we would be bringing 120 tonnes of maize. But we saw it fit to make maize meal for the church and we brought trucks with 120 tonnes of maize-meal. So you just collect and prepare your meal,” said Minister Masuka.
Bishop Mutendi commended President Mnangagwa for the developmental projects and the mealie-meal.
“His Excellency the President, Cde Mnangagwa promised us a dam and that promise is being delivered. With the dam, we come here, camp, have plenty of water, and think of nothing more than praying to our God. When we pray God will answer our prayers. It’s about making a choice that breaks the curse when we go up the mountain to pray like what Reverend Samuel Mutendi did from 1913 to 1976 when he completed his work,” he said.
Bishop Mutendi said the mealie-meal will also benefit the less privileged people.
Online Reporter