$10m pipeline to boost irrigation in Chivi

GOVERNMENT has started feasibility studies on a $10 million pipeline project to draw water for irrigation from the underutilised Muzhwi Dam in northern Chivi to Mushandike Dam, in a landmark move expected to bolster irrigation development in arid parts of Chivi and Masvingo districts.

Once developed, the planned pipeline will result in the development of 5 000 hectares under irrigation in northern parts of Masvingo district, such as Chidzikwe and areas around Muzhwi Dam in northern Chivi.

Mushandike irrigation scheme is also billed to expand and extend over the vast Sipambi and Bhati areas, downstream of Mushandike Dam.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Resettlement, Davis Marapira yesterday said officials from his ministry were currently doing feasibility studies on the planned pipeline from Muzhwi to Mushandike dam.

“We have a team of experts that are carrying feasibility studies on the water pipeline project and the purpose of the study is basically to identify the cheapest route to build the pipeline that will convey water from the dam upstream(Muzhwi) to Mushandike.

“Preliminary findings show that if the pipeline is built at least 5 000ha will be developed under irrigation in areas such as Chidzikwe (Masvingo District) where water will be pumped to higher ground to irrigate fields using gravity.

“The whole of Sipambi will be under irrigation that will expand further from current boundaries at Mushandike, there is huge scope for irrigation development under this project,” he said.

Cde Marapira said the envisaged expansion of Mushandike schemewhich straddles 800ha through the use of Muzhwi dam will boost food security for drought-prone parts of Chivi and Masvingo.

The expanded irrigation scheme can also be a source of green produce for Masvingo city where the population is now estimated at over 100 000.

“Government through, Treasury will finance the Muzhwi Dam water pipeline project and has made an undertaking to do so and all what remains is for our teams to complete feasibility studies before work on the project starts,” he said.