Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Yesterday, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned the Holy Cross Dam, along with associated agro-innovation and rural industrialization projects in Chirumhanzu, Mvuma, Midlands Province. The projects are being implemented under the Community Transformation model for Rural Industrialization, aiming to catalyze dietary diversification and food security in Zimbabwe.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honorable Barbara Rwodzi (MP Chirumhanzu) expressed her gratitude to everyone who voted for President Mnangagwa and herself, as well as the support received from chiefs, community members, and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. She acknowledged that the projects being undertaken are all devolution projects in accordance with Section 13 of the Constitution.
The Minister highlighted that 800 families will benefit from wheat farming, regardless of the season, and that the benefits of the projects will also extend to disadvantaged families to ensure that no one is left behind. She further emphasized that tourism has been promoted through the construction of the dam, which offers fishing, boat cruising, and conference facilities.
Bishop Rudolph Nyandoro of the Roman Catholic Church expressed his gratitude for the good working relationships between the Government and the church. He acknowledged the Minister for acquiring the full funds used to refurbish the dam and urged community members to fully utilize the projects being undertaken.
During the commissioning, President Mnangagwa stated that he was pleased to have the Holy Cross Church representatives present and expressed gratitude for their unity. He emphasized that the construction of the dam and associated projects honors those who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle.
Addressing the people of Chirumhanzu, President Mnangagwa commended them for their unity and hard work in building dams and implementing projects, stating that it is what their late comrades fought for during the liberation struggle.
The Holy Cross Dam irrigation project consists of 200 hectares, with 180 hectares dedicated to winter and summer crops, and 20 hectares for horticultural production. In addition to maize and soybean, horticultural crops such as tomatoes and onions will be grown to bridge the income gap and ensure sustained livelihoods for the community.
The fisheries program has breeding ponds with a capacity to produce over 2 million fingerlings annually. Once operational, 150,000 fingerlings will be released directly into the Holy Cross Dam for the community to sustainably consume using recommended fishing methods.
The eco-tourism/rural tourism program will provide accommodation, conference, and recreational facilities at the dam site. A total of 14 chalets will be built, including executive rooms. Local Higher and Tertiary Institutions, including Midlands State University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Great Zimbabwe University, and Masvingo Polytechnic, are technical partners providing extension services, skills development, and equipment maintenance. The community will be capacitated to acquire life-long skills in crop and fish production and rural tourism.
The commissioning of the Holy Cross Dam and associated projects marks a significant step towards achieving food security, dietary diversification, and rural industrialization in Zimbabwe. The collaboration between the Government, the church, and local institutions demonstrates a united effort towards building a better future for the people of Chirumhanzu and Zimbabwe as a whole.
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