Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
RUSHINGA legislator Cde Tendai Nyabani has expressed optimism over the ongoing construction of Semwa Dam, saying progress being made will ensure timely completion of the project.
Semwa Dam is among critical climate proofing projects under the Second Republic in Mashonaland Central Province, with its completion now standing at 40 percent.
In a recent comment to The Herald, the legislator applauded President Mnangagwa’s commitment towards uplifting the lives of rural communities through mitigatory measures against climate change.
“ As the MP for Rushinga constituency, I am optimistic with the ongoing development at Semwa Dam, a critical project for our people, the accelerated pace at which the dam is progressing at will ensure that completion will be done at the expected deadline which is 2028.
“ Semwa Dam will transform the face of Rushinga in terms of promoting investments in agriculture production, tourism and rural industrialisation. Above all we applaud the President for such a massive infrastructure project to achieve a Rushinga we want by 2030,” said Cde Nyabani.
Rushinga which is located in the marginal borders of Mozambique is another part of the province’s Dande range characterised with arid conditions, erratic rainfall patterns and saline soils making it prone to perennial drought episodes.
The construction of Semwa dam is a major undertaking by government earmarked at boosting food security through increased irrigation activities as well as creation of a booming fishing industry
However, the story of the once marginalised rural Rushinga district is changing, thanks to the many transformative projects being ushered under various empowerment schemes by the Second Republic.
“ It is critical to note that our people and place are not being left behind in the economic development agenda, which has positively impacted our status as we are also moving towards modernisation and industrialisation.
“ Numerous empowerment and development projects are being availed which has seen the electrification of Mukosa, drilling of boreholes, establishment of a nursing school in Chimhanda, an improved network coverage, construction of health infrastructure in almost every ward and adequate teaching staff in our schools, ” said the MP.
Cde Nyabani also noted positives in the agriculture sector highlighting an increase in small grains farming, embracing of poultry, goat and piggery projects which is contributing to the improved livelihoods of Rushinga people.
Due to its proximity to the Mozambique border, Rushinga further has potential in the growth of trade, a key investment area which is expected to concurrently expand with the completion of various infrastructural projects under construction in the constituency.
