Reconstructed Holy Cross Dam cheers up community

Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief

THE reconstruction of the wall for Holy Cross Dam in Midlands Province, which collapsed in 2007, has been completed, giving Holy Cross Mission, local schools, hospitals and business centre a decent water supply.

The dam also provides water for a 400-hectare irrigation scheme. Mvuma District Development Coordinator Mr Joram Chimedza said in an interview that the opportunity had also been taken to raise the wall and harvest more water.

The dam is fed by the rains falling within the 158-square-kilometre catchment.

“We are excited to note that the reconstruction of the Holy Cross Dam wall has been successful. This project was spearheaded by Zanu PF Chirumhanzu legislator, Cde Barbara Rwodzi, and we are grateful for what she has done for the community,” he said.

“The irrigation scheme has over 400ha and will benefit locals. The reconstructed Holy Cross Dam has already yielded positive results as a healthy winter wheat crop is flourishing at the Holy Cross irrigation scheme,” he said.

“The villagers and the community at large are very excited about this development.”

Mr Chimedza said the horticulture sector, a key focus area under the National Development Strategy 1, is poised to drive development in the region, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goals and objectives, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth and transformation.

“Horticulture, one of the thrusts under the National Development Strategy 1 development projects, will push development in the area in line with Vision 2030. This is a very huge project that will also help improve communities’ water supply, sanitation, and hygiene and support communities’ health status,” he said.

Government has promoted more dam rehabilitation and construction as a solution to increased food production following successive poor harvests due to below-normal rainfall.

Presently, 12 large dams are under construction across the country, and the Government’s ultimate goal is to have about 350 000ha of land under irrigation by 2025.