Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Reporter
THE Presidential fishing rigs initiative launched in Binga by President Mnangagwa in 2022 has been lauded for transforming the livelihoods of communities along the Zambezi River while restoring the economic independence and dignity of traditional leaders.
Binga Paramount Chief Senator Siansali said the fishing rigs handed over to chiefs in Binga, Nyaminyami and Kariba have created employment opportunities particularly for young people while generating income that benefits families and communities.
President Mnangagwa officially commissioned and handed over fishing rigs to 21 chiefs in April 2022, with 17 of the rigs allocated to chiefs in Binga and the remaining four benefiting communities in the Kariba area.
Chief Siansali said the rigs have provided an economic lifeline to communities along the Zambezi, especially given the limited opportunities for commercial farming in the region.
“The rigs issued by the President to the communities of Binga, specifically to the 17 chiefs in the district and other chiefs further downstream, namely Nyaminyami and Kariba have gone a long way in emancipating and transforming the economy of our communities,” he said.
“You will realise that the chiefs in this belt after the land reform programme had limited avenues for commercial farming and remained seemingly stuck, as if there was no programme aimed at empowering Zimbabwe-ans positively.
“So, for those rigs, as you know, the waters are our farms and they have significantly assisted the chiefs and their communities.”
Chief Siansali noted that the benefits of the fishing rigs extended beyond the direct beneficiaries, with in-creased economic activity creating opportunities in downstream sectors.
“You will also notice that many other sectors downstream benefit from these Presidential rigs. Some people have found employment, particularly young boys.
“The benefits are not only for those who received the rigs, but there is a chain effect. Our people can now send their children to school and pay school fees,” he said.
He added that the initiative has helped chiefs regain their economic independence, arguing that traditional leaders without sources of income often become dependent on their subjects.
Chief Siansali said empowerment programmes such as the fishing rigs have contributed to restoring the status of traditional leaders in the district.
“Such programmes, like the Presidential fishing rigs, have helped us regain our status as chiefs. Without assets, it is sometimes difficult to command respect, but that is no longer the case for Binga chiefs, all thanks to the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Binga Rural District Council is implementing a range of infrastructure projects, including road improvements, street lighting, healthcare and educational facilities as part of its efforts to enhance service delivery across the district.
Council engineer, Eng Zibusiso Nyoni said the projects are aimed at improving infrastructure and access to essential services.
He revealed that the council plans to grade approximately 103 km of district roads by the end of the fourth quarter of this year.
The roads scheduled for upgrade include Manyanda-Malaliya Road, Njobola Road, Champongo Road, Sinansengwe Primary Road and Nsenga Road.
“The district-wide road improvement programme will also include gravelling Sikajaya Road, along with selected drainage and road signage works,” said Eng Nyoni.
To strengthen its capacity to maintain the road network council is also procuring a motorised grader and roller compactor with the procurement expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter.
Eng Nyoni indicated that the council was also targeting the gravelling of approximately 3 km of roads in the Medium-Density Extension, with the project due for completion by the end of October.
In Binga town, the council plans to install 40 additional streetlights by the end of this month.
The street-lighting programme aims to improve visibility, safety and accessibility within the urban area.
“Council is also undertaking the phased rehabilitation and upgrading of the Binga RDC Guest House, with works focused on improving the standard of council accommodation and related facilities,” said Eng Nyoni.
The local authority is also working towards completing Zambezi Clinic by the end of the fourth quarter as part of its efforts to improve access to primary healthcare.
In the education sector, the council is constructing a classroom block at Saba Secondary School, with completion scheduled for the end of the year.
Eng Nyoni said these projects form part of the broader programme to enhance roads, public lighting, healthcare, education and institutional infrastructure across Binga District.
The projects are expected to complement other development initiatives being undertaken in the district as the council strives to improve service delivery to communities.
