NYASHADZAISHE RUSHWAYA
Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Vijay Khanduja last week toured irrigation projects that his government is assisting in rehabilitating to improve food security in the arid region of Masvingo Province
The three day visit to Masvingo by Ambassador Khanduja signaled the strength of bilateral relations between India and Zimbabwe.
Apart from accessing the impact of the irrigation projects the Ambassador’s visit also focused on promoting cultural exchange and enhancing trade ties between the two countries.
The Ambassador, was delighted to witness the unique traditions and landscapes of the region, and he emphasized the importance of fostering closer ties between India and Zimbabwe.
The Ambassador kick started his tour of duty by visiting Bwanya irrigation scheme in Chivi and Zvinyaningwe irrigation schemes in Masvingo Rural.
The irrigation schemes are being funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF) and administered by the UNDP while being implemented by the government of Zimbabwe.
There are a total of 6 Irrigation Schemes in the Masvingo Province that are being funded by GCF.
WAPCOS Limited is the Design Engineer for the Irrigation Schemes.
WAPCOS is a leading engineering consultancy and construction company under the Government of India.
For over five decades, WAPCOS has been delivering customized solutions to complex projects in water, power, and infrastructure sectors, both in India and overseas.
The company is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for businesses and communities worldwide, leveraging on its global presence and extensive portfolio.
WAPCOS Limited was awarded tenders to carry out feasibility studies and construction supervision works by UNDP since February 2022.
“These are some of the companies that we should copy especially for those that aim to offer different services in other countries and also the support that the government gives to the companies that show potential and expertise in their different fields,” Kudzai Manatsa one of the farmers at Bwanya irrigation scheme.
Other irrigation schemes that the Indian company that it is conducting works and supervising include Pikinini Jawanda scheme with a total of 156 hectares under irrigation and Chizumba scheme with 74 hectares in Mwenezi District.
The contractor for these two irrigation schemes is Forster Irrigation.
Bindamombe irrigation scheme in Chivi District is also being rehabilitated and will result in 34 hectares being irrigated.
Work for the rehabilitation was awarded to Thigtect Civil Works.
The contractors completed all the construction works March this year.
Also in Chivi District, the second phase of the rehabilitation of Bwanya irrigation with a capacity of 156 hectares is underway while Zvinyaningwe in Masvingo district will have 46 hectors under irrigation.
The above two were awarded to Modrich Enterprise by UNDP in December 2023 and the works are still in progress
The Indian company is also overseeing the rehabilitation of Nyahombe Irrigation scheme in Chivi District with a total hectarage of 99.8.
All the above sites are being supervised by WAPCOS since September 2023.
During his visit the Ambassador took time to interact with the beneficiaries listening to their plight and suggested solutions.
He was accompanied by the Deputy Director in the Department of Irrigation Shepherd Kadaira, Provincial irrigation engineer, Department of Irrigation William Goza in Masvingo province among other senior government officials.
Before his tour the Ambassador paid a courtesy call to Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira and Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa at their Benjamin Burombo Building offices.
