Plumtree villagers to reconstruct dam

SIKHATHINI villagers in Plumtree, Matabeleland South province, have started work to reconstruct a community dam for human, animals and irrigation purposes. Inunu Dam was built by the commercial white farmers, who previously owned the farm, before they were displaced during the land reform programme.

The dam remained the only source of water for the community until it was destroyed by heavy rains in the recent past.

Chairman of the reconstruction project Dazini Moyo said community members were losing their livestock due to shortages of water in the area.

“We are losing our livestock every year because they go missing while searching for water in faraway places. We began construction of the dam on February 14 this year,” Moyo said.

“The community is appealing for any donations that can help fulfil the project. So far we have raised R14 000 towards the project,” he said.

Moyo said the dam would help in creating community projects such as irrigation schemes. He said water taps will also be installed at homes for easy access and consumption.

“We have decided to make use of the land that we have as we are aware that the government does not want the land to stay unoccupied and underutilised,” he said.

“The progress appears to be very slow, but we know that with efforts, our dream will come true.”

Greatman Mkhwebu, secretary of the project, said the abundance of rainfall inspired them to construct the dam. “It is not a good thing to witness our livestock dying because of lack of water. After all, they are the ones helping parents in paying school fees as well,” Mkhwebu said.

“The dam is a source of life for our live stocks as far as Diba, Ngwana and Matjinge that used to come in the farm during summer season.”