Chronicle Editor
Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands Province, Cde Owen Ncube, has applauded the Government for living up to its mantra of leaving no one and no place behind with progress having been made towards rural industrialisation and transformation of lives of rural communities.
Speaking during a recent tour of eleven solar-powered boreholes and village business units implemented by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development in Zvishavane District under Chief Mapanzure, Cde Ncube said he was happy that four solarised boreholes have so far been completed.
“Four solarised boreholes at Malahleka, Ngwaro, Torwoodlee and Maromo villages each complemented by a two-hectare business unit have been completed while work for the establishment of other units at Muzvondiwa, Shauke, Mavhute, Vurayayi are at an advanced stage,” he said.
He said communities have witnessed the remarkable progress that the Second Republic was making to advance the nation towards the achievement of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society earlier than 2030.
“These communities will have access to clean water and the opportunity to grow their own nutritious food. The drilling and equipping of these boreholes, along with the establishment of business units are part of the Government’s comprehensive programmes aimed at climate-proofing agriculture with a national target to drill 35 000 boreholes in all villages,” he said.
Cde Ncube added that the impact of the boreholes and nutritional gardens extends beyond the provision of clean water and fresh produce.
“These programmes signify hope, dignity and empowerment of our rural communities. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and by providing that, we are improving the health, hygiene and overall well-being of our communities in line with the health for all by 2025 policy,’’ he said.
The minister lauded the Government noting that several milestone achievements continue to be recorded by the Second Republic under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa.
“Programmes that include the revitalisation and resuscitation of irrigation schemes, dam construction, Presidential Poultry and Intwasa/Pfumvudza have been prioritised among others under the Second Republic as part of rural industrialisation 8.0 model to accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030.
“In the Midlands Province, projects achieved by the Second Republic include 12 clinics across the province among them Chirere and Marira Clinics, numerous schools and classroom blocks among them modern and world-class Neta Secondary and Budiriro Primary Schools, construction of critical bridges that include Gunguhwe Bridge in Gokwe North, Phoenix Dam Bridge in Mberengwa as well as the resuscitation and revitalisation of irrigation schemes like Mayoka, Exchange, Mtange, Neta, Mabwematema and Mhende.”
Bongani Ndlovu