Govt wants irrigation projects in every district

GOVERNMENT is planning to establish at least one irrigation project per year in each district countrywide to enhance food security, an official has said.

Speaking at a meeting held at Mpofu Primary School in Lupane on Tuesday to prepare for the establishment of Bubi-Lupane irrigation project, Matabeleland North irrigation officer Mr Charles Makula said Government had acquired three centre pivots for the establishment of an irrigation project in the Matabeleland North capital.

The irrigation scheme will draw water from the 40 million cubic metre Bubi- Lupane Dam and benefit five villages around Mpofu area, Gwampa Ward 18.

Mr Makula said Bubi-Lupane irrigation will be established on a 200- hectare piece of land that has already been identified in the area.

“The Government wants to intensify irrigation to counter climate change and the target is to establish at least one irrigation scheme in each district every year for the next 10 years,” said Mr Makula.

He said Government had asked communities to identify arable land close to water bodies for this programme.

Turning to the Bubi-Lupane irrigation, Mr Makula said: “As for you here in Lupane, 200 ha have already been identified which now needs to be cleared. The Government has acquired the centre pivots which means that we will soon start clearing the piece of land to start the project.”

Villages that are set to benefit include Mpofu, Shabula, Lupanda and parts of St Luke’s.

Meanwhile, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ambassador Cain Mathema challenged Zimbabweans to take a leaf from Israel where the country practices intensive agriculture on small portions of land.

“The President wants irrigation projects around the country for sustainable development. Lupane has resources and we want people to benefit hence this project is important,” said Minister Mathema.

Minister Mathema implored village heads and other community leaders to ensure that those who lost their fields to the irrigation project are compensated by being allocated pieces of land in other areas.—@ ncubeleon