Govt rescues Mkwasine, Nandi Estates
THE GOVERNMENT, through the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (zinwa), has committed to saving more than 15 000 hectares of sugarcane plantations in Mkwasine and Nandi Estates, Chiredzi currently under threat.
There is acute water shortage in the area. The plantations’ main water source, Manjirenji Dam — which was constructed more than 40 years ago — has experienced breakdowns in recent weeks.
Less than half of the 78 000 mega-litres required daily to satisfy the demands of the estates is currently being pumped.
zinwa spokesperson Ms Marjorie Munyonga said about 50 percent of the repairs are underway.
“We understand the urgency, so we are working around the clock to ensure normal operations are restored for farmers. We have set aside enough financial resources for the project,” she said.
“However, part of the works require us to get external contractors, and we have gone to tender to procure the services of the external contractors.”
Earlier this year, sugarcane was granted strategic crop status. Resultantly there was increased production during the May-June planting season.
Illegal connections and water diversions have also emerged along the main conveyancing canal affecting water supply for the farmers who contribute a significant volume of cane to Tongaat Mills.
Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association (ZSDA) vice chairperson Ms Bernadette Tamba commended the Government for the timely intervention.
However, she called for expediting of works at the site to ensure that water is delivered in
time to rescue wilting crops.
“We are aware that something is being done as Government has promised, however, they need to speed up the paperwork and ensure that the process on the ground gets underway as we are racing against time,” she said.
Ms Tamba said last season Mkwasine produced more than 500 000 tonnes of sugarcane, as water supply was consistent.
This positively impacted on farmers’ confidence, and led most to increase hectarage.
“We are thankful for Government’s efforts, and we are hoping they will work as fast as they can,” she said.
“Farmers cannot afford huge losses, some of them had taken bank loans, which need to be paid back. They also need to pay for other expenses and acquire inputs for the next season, which are more reasons for their urgency in needing to salvage their crop.”
Mkwasine Water and Engineering Department engineer Mr Tobias Ndhleve, said a serious cane crisis was looming in the Lowveld
town if the problem is not resolved.
“To satisfy our crop, a farmer used to get about 7 500 litres per minute, but now we get about 4 000 litres, which is not ideal at all,” he said.
“Sadly, not all farmers are getting this. Those who are located far from the dam are getting less than that or even worse.
Mr Ndhleve said farmers are committed to joining forces with the Government to ensure an expeditious repair process.
He also called for zinwa to address issues of water diversions and illegal connections.
Local farmer Mr Moses Tinarwo, said his 28,7 hectares of new sugarcane crop was under threat.
“If we do not get water in the next week or so, everything goes to waste,” said Mr Tinarwo. I survive on cane production, and my hope is that Government completes this refurbishment process in time so that we do not lose a lot.