EDWIN MOYO
Gweru-The rural community of Vungu is moving towards regaining its horticultural hub status in the Midlands Province through irrigation schemes rehabilitation currently underway.
Over the past years Vungu was known as the Midlands hub of horticulture produces but the productive farming activities were turned into blurry as farmers were struggling to cope with effects of climate change and siltation of dams, The Midweek Watch can reveal.
Speaking during an interview last week, Vungu Constituency Member of Parliament ( MP) Omega Sibanda said the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes was underway to reclaim the lost status.
“The rehabilitation process is at different levels of progression. Vungu used to be the bread basket of horticulture as vegetables, fruits and other produce were coming from Vungu but there is nothing now.
“There were wetlands where people used to do a lot of irrigation and small farming but the biggest challenge right now is unavailability of water as dams have silted,” he said.
Sibanda added that one irrigation scheme is fully functional and some are under robust rehabilitation.
“We had our irrigation schemes namely Mkoba, Mambanjeni, Shagari, Insukamini, but only Insukamini is functional.
“Mambanjeni is undergoing reconstruction through government support and they have already changed the piping system which has been down for about 26 years.
“We have created a watering pattern which is different from what it was before and we are going to do irrigation through centre pivots.
“Shagari needs dam wall construction which has since collapsed and is also being worked on and there are positive changes in terms of repairs,” said Sibanda.
He further highlighted the need to conserve wetlands and all water bodies as well as harvesting of water to promote sustainable agriculture.
“Mkoba Irrigation Scheme needs de-siltation so that it operates all year round.
“We need to come back to the basics and ensure that we harvest enough water so that we have a constant supply of water throughout the year.
“Even in the wetlands, I am happy the Environmental Management Agency is assisting. We are trying to resuscitate one of the biggest wetlands, Sikhombingo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sibanda lashed out at cattle rustlers who were terrorizing the Constituency with some resorting deboning which is now thorn in the flesh for the villagers and law enforcement agency.
“I spoke to the officer commanding Midlands Province who has pledged to assist with the help of village heads and Chiefs. Cattle are being stolen, with the meat being supplied to local and outside butcheries.
“I am glad police promised to intensify their operations to curb cases of stock theft.” he said
