-as Bwanya irrigation brings good times
Roseline Mutare
Chivi -The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka has said that Chivi boys can now confidently marry wives from other cities, thanks to the enhanced food security brought about by the Bwanya irrigation scheme.
Speaking during a tour of the scheme in ward 3 under Chivi District, Minister Masuka noted that Chivi was previously known for its low rainfall and hunger, but the irrigation scheme has all but changed that and will soon be food sufficient.
Masuka said now that the fortunes of the villagers will be changed the boys from the area will be able to attract women from anyway in the country including cities as they will be the envy of many.
“The Bwanya irrigation scheme has changed the narrative of Chivi. Our boys can now marry wives from other cities because we have food security,” said Masuka.
Chivi North legislator, Godfrey Huruva Mukungunugwa, confirmed that 300 villagers will benefit from the 150 hectare scheme.
“This project is a game-changer for our community. We are grateful for the government’s support, This project will go a long way in improving the lives of our people, 300 beneficiaries are going to survive from this scheme including our youths, women and man,” said Huruva.
The scheme has 156 hectares under irrigation of which 72 are under centre pivots and 84 are under semi permanent sprinkler system.
The 3 centre pivots have a height which occupies 24 hectare each.
The irrigation scheme will see 270 households and 300 people benefitting from it.
Minister Masuka also announced a donation of a 50×50 square meter fishpond with an initial stock of 10,000 fish to further boost the scheme’s productivity.
“The fishpond will provide an additional source of income for the beneficiaries. We expect each family to earn US$97 in the first year, increasing to US$264 by the fifth year,” Minister Masuka explained.
However, the scheme’s progress faced a delay due to the construction waiting period of the decks, which are still to be completed.
The tour was attended by Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, and the Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Province and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, highlighting the government’s commitment to rural development and food security.
Minister Masuka emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering rural communities.
“We are committed to making sure that our rural communities benefit from our initiatives,” he said.
