Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT, through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), has embarked on a project to rehabilitate Fakanye Dam in Mangwe District to ensure it plays its role as a major source of livelihood for the community.
The project is expected to cost US$376 000 and once rehabilitated, the dam will be a source of water for 20 000 livestock from Wards 1, 2 and 13. It will also enable communities to undertake income generating projects such as market gardening.
The rehabilitation works are expected to be completed by end of October. Villagers had tried several times to mobilise resources to repair the damaged wall without success.
Speaking during a visit to the dam, Fakanye Dam treasurer, Mr Chikwane Ndlovu said Government intervention through RIDA had come at the most opportune time.
“This dam helps people from Silima, Mkhayeni, West and East Empandeni as well as Embakwe. We have tried several times to repair it but failed. For the past four years we would close one hole and another would burst and the dam would lose water,” he said.
“We thank Government through RIDA for coming to our rescue. The problem we had for many years will now be a thing of the past. Since the Second Republic assumed office, we have seen a great deal of development in our communities and we are glad that the Government is delivering on its promises,” he said.
Mr Linnos Nkomo from Silima Village said the community was struggling as the dam did not hold any water. He said their animals were forced to walk long distances in search of water and they had since suspended gardening projects because they had no water.
Ms Kwanele Ndlovu from Silima Village said the rehabilitation of the dam was a huge relief.
“This dam is a source of water for our livestock and support various livelihood projects. It used to sustain projects such as gardening and was also a source of water for domestic use,” she said.
“Once the dam is rehabilitated, we will be able to resume these projects and even establish new ones,” she said.
RIDA Matabeleland South provincial coordinator, Mr Moment Malandu, said they have engaged Genzell Contractors, which has provided equipment for the dam rehabilitation with RIDA technical staff supervising the project.
“We are here at Fakanye Dam rehabilitating a vital water source for the community, which has been a source of water for this community even before independence,” he said.
Mr Malandu said RIDA was also drilling boreholes and maintaining as well as rehabilitating roads among other development projects.
“Right now we are building six dams and rehabilitating a number of roads in the province. We recently acquired new tractors under the Belarus facility, which will help revamp our tillage unit. We would like to thank the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa for its support in resourcing and equipping us so that we can serve the public.”
RIDA Matabeleland South provincial chief water technician, Mr Joseph Dube said they were doing a complete overhaul of the dam wall.
“We have moved in to redesign the dam because it had outlived its lifespan. We are rehabilitating the dam instead of repairing we are doing reconstruction of the inner side of the dam wall. We will also repair the breached section and improve the spillways so that they can withstand the pressure,” he said. —@DubeMatutu
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