Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-The Zik Cooperative Society for the Visually Impaired, located in Mucheke near the Jairos Jiri Association in Masvingo, is appealing for financial assistance and donations from well wishers to help revive its garden project and boost self sufficiency among its members.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Zik Cooperative chairperson, Zachariah Chivasa said they have 13 members who are all blind supporting a minimum of six people per family.
The group operates a 1.5-hectare garden which was once a vital source of income and food security.
“We used to supply vegetables to OK supermarket in Masvingo but operations stopped due to lack of resources. Our members are eager to resume work and become productive again,” Chivasa said.
The cooperative previously relied on a diesel powered mono pump which became unsustainable due to fuel costs and environmental concerns.
In a step toward climate change justice and clean energy adoption, the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT), led by Henry Chivhanga, assisted in installing solar panels that now pump water for the garden. However, Chivasa noted that challenges remain.
“The solar pump is working but we need longer pipes to connect water to the jojo tanks. Without that, we can’t irrigate and start planting.”
In addition to completing the water system, the cooperative urgently needs fencing materials and agricultural inputs to secure and cultivate the land effectively.
Chivasa also revealed that they have a disused fowl run at his homestead with a capacity of 1,000 birds. With proper investment, it could support poultry production and provide a vital income stream.
The Zik Cooperative Society is calling on individuals, NGOs, government departments and the private sector to support their efforts and help restore dignity, income and independence to visually impaired members and their families.
