Irrigation boost for villagers
VILLAGERS in Chiredzi South have been challenged to fully utilise six rehabilitated irrigation schemes to produce horticultural products, which are in short supply across the country.
Last month, Government announced that it will not renew permits for companies that were importing horticultural products.
Chiredzi South legislator Retired Brigadier-General Kalisto Gwanetsa last week said his constituency was known for exporting horticultural products to Mozambique, but this stopped when most irrigation schemes collapsed.
Irrigation schemes such as Manjinji and Magogogwe crumbled 17 years ago after being destroyed by strong winds and rainfall. A MWENEZI man, Leoryd Matomi, has been arrested for killing his ex-girlfriend’s lover.
Prosecuting, Ms Angelina Makonya told the court that on October 19 this year, Matomi (23), of Bhadhaki Village, Chief Maranda in Mwenezi, allegedly
few remains of the infant were recovered after the tragic incident.
“Yes, I can confirm that we received and attended to a case in which a three-year- old girl was killed by lions in Chiredzi,” she said.
The attack came after the lions had killed more than 10 goats and two cattle the previous day in the
Rtd Brig- Gen Gwanetsa said since most of the irrigation schemes have been rehabilitated, villagers must take advantage and prove their worth in developing Zimbabwe.
“It’s sad that all the irrigation schemes had been defunct, but a lot of effort has been put towards their refurbishment.
“The Southern Alliance for Indigenous Resources facilitated the installation of modern, solar-powered irrigation equipment and security systems here at Manjinji Irrigation scheme at a cost of $120 000.
“It’s now time for the farmers to shine and produce for their families, the country and even service the Mozambique market, which they had abandoned,” he said.
Rtd Brig- Gen Gwanetsa said the irrigation scheme had the biggest solar-powered irrigation scheme in the province.
“My appeal to you now is utilise this 42ha plot by producing in surplus so that you can supply retail shops and even tap into bigger markets in larger towns.”
He said efforts were being made to speed up the full operationalisation of the 200ha Chilonga Irrigation Scheme by next month.
“Chilonga Irrigation Scheme, which is only 23km from Chiredzi Town, was the main supplier of horticultural products to residents, but it has been defunct for the past 10 years, affecting the welfare of the farmers and the consumers,” he said.
Rtd Brig- Gen Gwanetsa said new submersible pumps and water delivery systems have already been installed at Chilonga.
“We are now working at creating a water diversion pool which has adequate capacity to hold water for the heavy duty pumps to milk. So we are busy diverting water from the Northern bank to the Southern bank.”
Gumbo twice on the head.
After stabbing Gumbo, Matomi reportedly fled.
Gumbo was taken to Maranda Clinic by good Samaritans, but he was later transferred to Neshuro Hospital, where he died on arrival.
Matomi was arrested two days after the incident.
He was remanded in custody to November 29 this year.
resulted in the boy dropping his sister as he fled.
“The girl was dropped as the boy ran for cover in a nearby hut. The girl was then killed by the lions and villagers only recovered her head and a few other remains,” he said.
Mr Farawo implored villagers to timeously report wild animal attacks to Zimparks.