Bwanya irrigation scheme to benefit Chivi smallholder farmers

Bwanya irrigation scheme to benefit Chivi smallholder farmers

Staff Reporter

AN Irrigation facility will transform productivity for at least 3 00 under the newly established Bwanya irrigation scheme.

The 156-hectare irrigation scheme established by government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the GreenClimate Fund is expected to transform the lives of small holder farmers in the dry region of Chivi North.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of this month.

“This area is known to be dry and the community has been struggling all along to survive. The project being established here will change the face of this area, soon we will start producing food and cash crops,” said one of the villagers.

Another added, “With this project, there is going to be employment creation for many locals and through this project now we have electricity in our area and we will be able to establish food industries.”

The contractor of the project Wapcos assured government that all is in place to ensure the completion of the project by 31 July.

“As you can see the project is now almost complete, we have already lined up our pipes from the pump house to the scheme. 72 hectares are under centre pivots already installed and 84 hectares will be under sprinkler system,” said Wapcos Limited Engineering Supervisor, Mr Takudzwa Maisiri.

The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka accompanied by other government officials and partners toured the project this Saturday and expressed confidence that irrigation development will ensure rural industrialisation.

“This project resonates well with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of ensuring rural development. We are currently setting up irrigation schemes in a number of areas as we move to ensure food security. On this project we have changed the model, they are going to operate as a business unit or a company to ensure sustainability of the project,” said Dr Masuka.

Bwanya irrigation is among many schemes currently being established by government with others being rehabilitated as government moves towards ensuring food security despite climate change threats.