Home Blog Page 266

Masvingo city presents US$ 23.6 million budget

TellZim reporter

Following budget consultations in and around the city, Masvingo City Council on November 25 presented a US$ 23.6 million total budget for the upcoming 2023 financial year.
The budget converted to local currency equated at the bank rate prevailing on November 24 at the rate of US$ 1 to ZW$ 634 amounted to ZW$ 14.9 billion.
Addressing the media soon after the presentation of the budget, Acting Mayor Wellington Mahwende said the budget is pegged in foreign currency but quickly stressed that residents would settle their bills in local currency.
“The total budget is US$ 23.6 million of which US$ 17 million is expected to be generated internally while US$ 6 million is expected to be funded from other sources such as intergovernmental fiscal transfers, Zimbabwe National Road Agency (ZINARA) grants and external loans.
“The budget has been prepared in US$ consistent with the presentation by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development on the expected subsistence of the multi-currency system until 2025. However, charges to residents and clients will be made at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of payment,” said Mahwende.
The capital expenditure in the budget is pegged at US$ 8.5 million while the recurrent budget stands at US$ 15.1 million.
The expenditure allocations by programme are governance and administration US$ 5.5 million, water, sanitation and hygiene US$ 7.2 million, social services US$ 7.4 million, roads US$ 2.3 million and public safety and security services US$ 1.2 million.
Under capital expenditure priorities are education facilities US$ 734 000, health facilities US$ 631 000, water and infrastructure US$ 2.6 million, roads and storm water drainage US$ 632 000, social amenities US$ 2.9 million and operational assets US$ 1 million.
Finance committee chairperson councillor Babylon Beta highlighted some of the major projects earmarked for the upcoming year.
“The major projects presented in the 2023 budget are water augmentation, landfill management and road marking equipment, Rujeko Secondary School, public lighting rehabilitation, maternity ward at Runyararo clinic, Mucheke stadium repairs, road construction and re-sealing.
“Servicing of Rujeko D residential stands, upgrading of Mucheke wholesales is expected to continue as we continue to try to improve the living standards of residents, construction of vendor stalls,” said Beta.
The budget would go for approval by the parent ministry

Zanu PF MP, Councilor in near fist fight over adultery allegations

…MP tells councilor to stop sexually abusing children

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI-Outspoken Chiredzi North Member of Parliament, Roy Bhila recently blasted Chiredzi Town Council’s Ward 2 councilor, Obert Ngwenya who is also Zanu PF’s District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Secretary for Transport that he does not deserve to represent the interests of the ruling party in Chiredzi Town Council over a litany of allegations levelled against the latter involving sexually abusing young girls at his Westwood Lodge.
Zanu PF’s top leadership in Chiredzi including Bhila and Masvingo Province’s Councilors for Economic Development Chairperson, Ngwenya nearly exchanged blows at Westwood Lodge last Sunday (November 20) during a cell verification exercise after the outspoken Bhila confronted Ngwenya and accused him of dating children putting the party’s name in disrepute.
According to a source who was at the scene, Ngwenya was nearly beaten Bhila over allegations of sexually abusing children at his lodge.
“We firstly heard the noise outside, which drew everyone’s attention. Ngwenya was arguing with Bhila and they nearly exchanged fists after the latter called Ngwenya not fit to be a Zanu PF councilor for allegedly sexually abusing children at his lodge,” said the source.
When Bhila was contacted for comment, he refused to comment over the phone.
“We cannot discuss that over the phone,” said Bhila.
On the other side, Ngwenya confirmed to this publication that they nearly fought over the accusations which Bhila was levelling against him.
“That is absolutely true, Bhila is big mouthed. Luckily many people intervened so we ended up not fighting. Chairman Robson Mvhenyengwa was the one who mainly intervened.
“If you once heard that audio which circulated he was saying a lot of rubbish about it while he knew the reality on the ground. I think this happened at a perfect time when all leadership was present,” said Ngwenya.
A few weeks ago, Lucia Mahoye popularly known as Mai Chokera allegedly stormed Westwood Lodge after she heard Ngwenya had allegedly taken her daughter to the lodge before the local party leadership intervened to resolve the case.
When Mahoye was contacted by TellZim, she said it was wise for the media to convene a press conference where Ngwenya will also be available in order for them to establish the truth as the latter is calling these accusations a smear campaign.
“There is a lot that happened. Now my daughter’s boyfriend dumped her because of those issues. It is wise for us all to meet in the same room to determine what actually happened because Ngwenya is spreading gossip through WhatsApp that I am being bought to smear him,” said Mahoye.
In July 2022, Ngwenya was also allegedly reported to have been dating children at Hippo Valley High school whom he was regularly taking to the lodge before hell broke loose after he allegedly failed to provide goodies for the other girls.
Ngwenya, who refutes all the cases levelled against him says it is a political gimmick to de-campaign him in 2023 as most of his counterparts are fearing that he might be the next council chairperson.

Girl (15) appeals for financial assistance to undergo heart examination

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- A 15 year old girl Ciara Tsholofelo Garayi is seeking financial assistance to undergo a heart examination in Harare.
The teenage girl is suffering from a heart disease called Angina Pectoris and Tachycardia.
Speaking to TellZim News on November 21, Zimbabwe Actors Association (ZAA) secretary Mercy Chirikure said on behalf of the family, the association is appealing to the corporate world and other stakeholders to come to Ciara’s aid.
“We are pleading for your assistance towards Ciara Tsholofelo Garayi who was diagnosed with heart disease called Angina Pectoris and Tachycardia.
“Ciara is a 15 year old girl and is currently residing in Runyararo drive, in Mangwende village near Besa Primary School in Seke, Zimbabwe.
“An amount of US$ 480 in total is required to have her final heart examination done by medical specialists in Harare,” said Chirikure.
The family is appealing to well-wishers for financial assistance or donations for the girl to access the treatment needed.
“The young girl’s life has been greatly affected as she can no longer go about her work and schooling,” Chirikure added.
For those who wish to extent a helping hand, all donations can be channelled to Ciara’s mother’s EcoCash or Inn-bucks account that is : 0773977895 (Mrs C. Sesedza) or contact the same number for cash or other enquires.

Dear Nelson Chamisa

0

Mapombi hardly writes to anyone especially politicians because they are full of themselves and they think they have seen it all and know everything. I remember writing to the late former President Robert Mugabe (MHSRIP) few months before the Nov 2017 thing – I don’t know whether it was a coup or a military takeover imimi ndimi munoziva zvakaitika. I told Uncle Bob that his days were numbered and that he had to do something if he so wanted to remain in power iye ndokuisa hake zvitanda munzeve. Hopefuly this Chamisa will take heed or else 2023 general elections will be a mere formality.
But before I write to him, Ladies and Gentlemen, we should condemn political violence in the strongest possible terms. The violence that recently happened in Gutu district where CCC supporters were bashed by Zanu PF members should be condemned. We are one people; we are brothers and sisters therefore, we should watch each other’s backs instead of fighting. Mapombi would like to condemn the police also for not taking action well on time to arrest the said perpetrators of political violence. No one is above the law and no one should be treated as such. Mapombi heard the police refused to open dockets against the accused Zanu PF members. That’s bad. It’s very bad. Tinyareiwo mapurisa. Tinyareiwo please. Protect the people of Zimbabwe and stop taking orders from Zanu PF. Gutu has key political leaders such as Lovemore Matuke, Winston Chitando, Prof Amon Murwira, Yeukai Simbanegavi, Beritha Chikwama and Pupurai Togarepi – why are these not calling their supporters to order? Are they the ones sending these supporters to beat up opposition members? Are they not aware of the violence taking place? Whatever their reasons, they should take active role to stop political violence in the district. This is not the first time but third or so times and that is a reflection of the kind of leaders we have in Gutu district. But zvinonyadzisa zvazvo.
Anyway, Dear Nelson Chamisa.
Mapombi hopes to find you well. I am neither a CCC member nor a supporter of the Gumbakumba club but the points I want to raise may help you as the leader of the opposition party. Mapombi noticed that the opposition has been doing extremely well in terms of mobilising people to register to vote using social media platforms – that is excellent keep it up. I strongly think that this is the time to take stock, evaluate and analyse if the online mobilisation is really getting the desired results – considering that we are less than a year now before the next elections. Mapombi will not delve much into commenting on the effectiveness of these online #tags and campaigns but I want to draw attention to these two points. Firstly, the majority of people online are diasporians and very few of them cast the vote on the day of election and as such there is no point to use so much energy on them unless kana muchida zvenyu kupedzera tsvimbo kumakunguwo asi zivai kuti hanga dzichauya. Secondly, the cost of data in Zimbabwe is so high that very few people are affording to be consistently online even paWhatsApp chaipo. So this means the opposition party now needs to think outside the box and come up with more innovative ways of reaching out to the people.
We know that CCC has more lawyers than any other party in the country so kufunga vanofanira kunge vari shasha. But who says lawyers can be best politicians kkkkkkkkkk haaaa seka zvako Mapombi, chete zvimwe ndezvemeso muromo zvinyarare. There are Grade 7 dropouts varimo munyika umu who can do much better compared to lawyers , but anyway, that’s a discussion for another day. But I often hear Chamisa saying chenga ose manhanga hapana risina mhudzi – makambomunzwawo achidaro? Why then is the party proving kuti ndeya maLawyer ega ega yet you are busy kutibata kumeso zvedu isu vana Mapombi tisina kuzonyatsodzidza zvedu muchiti chenga ose.
My brother Nero, I highly recommend you to try Mhou nemhuru yayo concept. Mapombi basa rake nderekuudza vanhu and those who care to listen always have the longest laughter at the end. Mhou nemhuru yayo is the best way forward especially during this time when Zanu PF ikuita senge yagarwa nemweya wetsvina nenyaya yepolitical violence. Supporters need to be protected and feel safe at this point in time, but more importantly the party leadership should be able to take stock and see who are with them and they can rely on for votes come 2023. So the Mhou nemhuru yayo approach will make sure that party members are safe because they don’t need to wear regalia or go to rallies in order for them to prove that they support opposition. CCC leadership should start pushing for mobilisation at family level where members of the family are mobilising each other to register to vote and go out and cast their vote on the Election Day. This is the best way to mobilise ahead of 2023 because, Mapombi predicts more political violence that it will be very difficult for opposition to hold rallies. But campaigning should happen on daily basis. Those family members who are in towns must call often their families in rural areas and make sure that they have registered to vote and that they vote on the Election Day. Imagine having 40 percent of the total population in towns making calls kumusha every day vachiudza vana mai vavo nana Baba kuti gwendo guno isai pamukomana tione kuti zvinodii. Those in the diaspora should do the same too kwete kuswera muchingowawata paTwitter penyu ipapo muri moga isu vana Mapombi hatimbokunzwei because we will be busy kutokanga maputi nekudya some rotten bananas. We do not know what is even happening on Twitter, and we don’t even care but tisu tichandovhota imi makangoti vavava diaspora ikoko.
Mhou nemhuri yayo will make sure that the whole family in town – baba, Amai, vana, and maid are all registered voters then it goes kumusha to make sure that other family members vanogara kumusha are also registered to vote. This must be the duty of family members to make sure that those young sisters and brothers they paid school fees for are registered to vote. They should make sure that their unemployed relatives exercise their right to vote, and more importantly vote for the alternative. Chamisa should concentrate more on popularising the Mhou neMhuru yayo concept in urban areas so that those in towns start implementing this approach. Mapombi can assure you that the results will be amazing. Thank me later.
This approach should also be harnessed with key messaging such as the one Chamisa is already circulating kuti kuRally kwavo endai, rice nembeu piwai mudye nekurima asi musi weVote kandai pamukomana. It will be a disservice for one to complete a conversation with a relative in the rural areas without reminding them kuti vasakanganwa kuvhotera pamukomana gwendo huno. But there is need to emphasis kuti dzikamisai hana nekuti mungarohwe kumusha ikoko. Mapombi would like to discourage the use of family WhatsApp groups to mobilise at family level because kune vana Nyathi vatengesi mhuri yese inoswera yandovatisiwa kuBase zvokwadi. Those in urban areas should sacrifice to make phone calls and talk with these relatives separately, that way they will have confidence and know that they are secure.
Anyway, its lunch time guys let me go ndindokanga zvangu maputi angu for lunch but vakuru vakati chati homu chareva. Mhou neMhuru yayo is the way forward. Baba kana Amai nemhuri yavo should make sure they register to vote and cast the vote on the election day. Shoko ngarifambe. By the way, I listened to Mthuli’s 2023 proposed national budget kkkkkkkk haaaa nyika yananga kumawere iyi kkkkk. It reminded me time yaGideon Gono iya yemaQuintilion haaa zvakaoma hazvo. Anyway, I will find time to analyse the budget and give my input but generally I liked the idea of channelling more money towards the primary and secondary education and the health ministries – that was excellent. We need to revive our health sector especially ahead of next year elections when this gumbakumba club is showing early signs of wanting to unleash political violence. Vanu mukavarova vakazoshaiwa kwekurapwa zvingazofamba here nhai veduwe. Ko Jonso ndakanzwa kuti wakanyora tsamba kuti sorry kkkkkk. The guy now wants to come back and finish what he started kkkkk he will not rest until he destroys Zanu PF from within. Mark my words. Faka pressure Musorobhangu. Faka faka faka pressure!

Masvingo a sleeping giant?

Beverly Bizeki

Various presentations held at the first edition of the Masvingo Business Expo have exposed the various gaps and opportunities that the ancient city has in terms of business showing the need for investments in order to make it a business hub.
The expo held at Flamboyant hotel saw the convergence of over 100 exhibitors from around the country discussing on new business opportunities for the ancient city.
Masvingo Local Authorities Forum Chief Executive Officer Alexander, Mutembwa who presented on investment opportunities in Masvingo said local authorities are key in development issues in the country.
“Without local authorities, there cannot be any organized socio-economic development in the country,” said Mutembwa.
Chief among the investment opportunities in the province’s seven districts which was topical at the event was power generation and tourism owing to the plenty water bodies available in the province.
Mutembwa also cited the possibility of establishing a 5MW hydro power plant to feed the national grid in Mwenezi.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Executive Director, Reason Machigere highlighted the need to sweat out the resources in the province citing the underutilization of dams as well as limited number of hotels with the city said to have only 8 hotels.
ZIMTRADE Eastern Regional Development Officer Admire Jongwe said Masvingo can be translated to a greenbelt as it is renowned for its huge water bodies whilst leveraging on the climate conditions.
“Masvingo is renowned for its large water bodies and good climate conditions which are suitable for most of the horticulture products that can do well in this region for instance citrus with a protocol brokered between Zimbabwe and China now in place,” explained Jongwe.
Jongwe also emphasized on the need for smallholder farmers to move to the export market.

JESUS WALKS WITH ME

0

The Missing Pieces

With Yeukai Musara

One day my nephew and little brother were playing with the jig saw puzzle and they were trying to put pieces back together and trying to copy exactly the same way the picture was portrayed on the puzzle box.
However they tried to join the various pieces together so that they could bring out their image out. Some of the pieces matched, others did not and this was a 1000 piece puzzle that they needed to finish up, with some pieces missing as well and l saw them change their game to play another one.
This got me thinking; in life how many people are trying to put back puzzle pieces of their life together and cannot seem to be able to handle it and they are missing other pieces to put in or replace in order to bring out a good image that have to try and accomplish?
Replacing the pieces in life is one of the most delicate things that one can face when they try to do it on their own but, God can make all things better and replace it piece by piece.
There are people who have broken pieces in their lives that they are just trying to mend or try to fix hoping that they can do it themselves.
There are people who are here who have lost various pieces in life and just want them back or want them renewed.
Some have lost treasures that they had desired to have kept but wrong decisions led them to lose them or they have been broken into various pieces and putting them together is just not working.
Do not lose heart because my bible tells me in the book of Ezekiel 37; God spoke to Ezekiel and ordered him to prophesy to the valley of dry bones in order for them to have life.
The only part that l am going to focus on is verse 7 that he prophesied as he was commanded by God and there was a rattling and the bones came together, bone by bone and the sinews and flesh came upon them and the skin covered them over.
God is replacing back your pieces, piece by piece and making a new start to what you have wanted to do or wanted to have become.
Every piece in your life that was missing is being replaced bone by bone or piece by piece.
God is replacing the missing pieces in your life that maybe whole again and that you gain back your position at a higher level full in him.
May God replace every missing piece in your life today and may he accomplish all that you wanted with the pieces in much more abundance.
Continue to pour out to God and he will replace your life, situation back piece by piece, bone by bone.
I can imagine them flying everywhere from various places where the devil had hidden them or kept them away from you and now God is replacing them piece by piece.
God replaces the pieces in our life as well as he places his own spirit within us so that we may move together with him in one accord.

Further verses:

Psalms 104 v30
Isaiah 32v15

Lands ministry in soil, water conservation blitz

0

Beverly Bizeki

Participants at the recently held soil and water conservation policy stakeholder consultations conducted by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development have agreed to incorporate local leadership including traditional leaders in the fight to conserve soil and water as key natural resources.
They said as the country is facing high rates of soil erosion mostly at 50 tonnes per hectare every year, there is a need for the country to come up with a policy conservation of soil and water.
National Acting Director of the Department of Agricultural Engineering Mechanization and Soil Conservation Herbert Gutu who was representing Chief Director Engineer Edwin Zimhunga said the consultations were initiated by high rates of siltation taking place in rivers and dams reducing the water holding capacity of dams.
“We have realized the high rate of siltation in our rivers with soil erosion rate at 50t/ha in some areas is affecting the water holding capacity of our dams which eventually affects the sustenance of livelihoods.
“Having realized this, the ministry has just started a soil conservation blitz this year intending to ensure that everyone has access to services for designing, pegging and conservation works with the ministry availing 30 tractors for the country’s 10 provinces to ensure every piece of agricultural land or not has conservation works on it to reduce the effects of soil erosion,” said Gutu.
Masvingo Ministry of Agriculture Provincial Director Aaron Muchazivepi challenged traditional leadership to play their role in soil and water conservation.
“Local village heads and Headmen are supposed to spearhead these programmes (soil conservation blitz) for people to be able to take up the programmes,” said Muchazivepi.
One participant pointed out the need to ensure local or traditional leadership play roles towards such initiatives.
“Local government has traditional leaders who are mostly responsible for parceling out land especially in rural areas hence the need to have them on board in making decisions to do with soil and water conservation,” said one of the participants.
Major causes of soil erosion raised at the meeting include stream bank cultivation and veld fires which cause the loosening of soil particles and eventually soil erosion.
Another participant also stressed the need to implement policies formulated for success of the programmes.
“Whatever we put on paper must be implemented, the Tugwi-Mukosi feasibility report was made some few years back but we still have people farming in the buffer zones which has ended up in some rivers feeding in to the dam heavily silted so there’s need for implementation after formulating policies,” said another participant.
As climate change continues to take toll, there is need for more efforts from all stakeholders to conserve natural resources like water hence the call to make conservation works compulsory in farming as well as natural resources like forests.
The consultation meeting is one of the many that are being held nationwide in order to come up with the first draft of soil and water conservation policy.

ZWAYAT value addition clusters benefit women, youth, marginalized

Branton Matondo

Zimbabwe Women and Youth in Agribusiness Trust (ZWAYAT) is leading the organic crop value addition chats following diverse engagements with local and regional organizations for impartation of value addition, finance and organic cropping knowledge to women, youth and marginalized members of the society.
With the food market dominated by genetically modified products (GMO) and fast grown produce, cries from consumers to increase cropping and selling of organic products continue to pour.
Commercialisation of the farming and agro-based projects continue to hamper marginalized producers who are in most cases located in remote vicinities.
ZWAYAT leader Mrs Cecilia Muchechesi who has enrolled a plethora of value addition clusters meant to benefit ignored small scale farmers and producers said the organisation has assisted and continues to assist a lot of women from various districts across Zimbabwe.
“As ZWAYAT, we recently registered with the Zimbabwe Goat Producers Breeders Association (ZGPBA) to help subsistence goat producers within our organization and how best they can come up with a good end product. Besides goat farming, we have also engaged with ZimTrade. ZimTrade teach members on how to assess markets and competitiveness. First Mutual is also helping out in educating our members on financial literacy because most of our target members are based in rural areas where some of them are not literate enough to conduct businesses,” said Muchechesi.
ZWAYAT was also a signatory of Mutare declaration for Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) endorsed ‘Strategy Launch for the Sustainable Development of the Tilapia value chain in Zimbabwe’ launched in Zimbabwe’s eastern border town on November 11.
Muchechesi added that value addition makes a big difference in the world of small scale farm produce.
“ZWAYAT is also a member of Commesa Federation of Women in Business (COMFOB) and we are also a member of Network of African Women in Business (NAWOB). Most of the people we are working with are women and youth in the rural areas. We have engaged women from various districts of Zimbabwe who do their projects on diversified small scales. When women and youth harvest their crops, ZWAYAT value adds by processing, packing, and branding because it benefits the producers in times of exchange on the market.
“From the time we were awarded, we have never looked behind. Our members are at the moment gaining expertise from Quality Assurance Consultancy Company who operates under Africa Continental Preferential Trade Area.
“The idea is to impart knowledge on organic crop farming. Members will also receive eco-marked certificates for the course,” she added.
ZWAYAT clinched bronze medal at a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) Expo held at Rainbow Hotel from October 19-22 this year.

‘Tongaat pivotal for Zim’s economic turnover’

….circulates millions of United States dollars across the country

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI-Zimbabwe’s sole sugarcane producer, Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe (THZ), which is the biggest employer outside government, has a much large potential to help Zimbabwe’ economic turnaround through its support to more than 200 indigenous companies under its supply chain system.
More than ZW$ 20 billion and close to US$ 100 million dollars is circulating annually across the country.
Masvingo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in collaboration with the Lowveld Business Development Association (LOBDA) organized an annual supplier’s conference with Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe (THZ) which was held at Clevers Hotel in Chiredzi recently, where the sugar giant indicated that they are circulating billions of dollars to indigenous companies through its supply chain system.
Weston Jemwa, THZ’s Supply Chain and Procurement Executive said the company has close to 30 000 line items from both Hippo Valley and Triangle which they purchase annually from its various procurement sectors in the Carpex and Packaging, Logistics, General, fleet and mill which suppliers should select their specialty from.
“We have a sustainable procurement policy where we tray and balance all our suppliers nationwide as we are a national company. 50% of the sugar we produce is being consumed in Harare, so as a company we try to balance our suppliers from across the country as we also need them to support us.
“We have close to 30 000 line items where suppliers choose from, even local companies, from Masvingo Province, should have a piece from that cake. We do not need a situation whereby one asks me what to supply. A lot of people are vying for low hanging fruits as most companies are scrambling towards sugar transportation, that is not only the service we need from local companies. Imagine during that time of quail birds, everyone wanted to have them, and some even sold their cattle to get into that business,” said Jemwa.
Jemwa also said from April to date, they have an expenditure of close to US$ 100 million and ZWL$20 billion which was paid to close 200 companies in Zimbabwe, with 119 companies being from Masvingo province.
“We have 119 local suppliers from Masvingo province who from April to date have paid ZW$ 2 billion and US$4.3 million while ZWL$16 billion and US$60 million has been paid to other suppliers across the country,” added Jemwa.
Masvingo Chairman for Chamber of SMEs, Venancio Kurauone also said the company should also act as guarantors to the local suppliers to help their growth.
“The company should have an Enterprising Department to capacitate local suppliers by being their guarantors in order for them to be able to supply huge quantities of products without financial hiccups,” said Kurauone.

Zimbabwe to benefit from OACPS and FAO driven Tilapia plan

Branton Matondo

With majority of Zimbabwean artisanal and commercial fish farmers facing torrid challenges, a fresh tilapia value chain strategy driven by FISH4ACP, global fish farming pusher Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) with the help of European Union and a German based entity was launched by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Zimbabwe in Mutare.
The project was introduced as a way to curb malnutrition, hunger, achieve better and sustainable agro-business.
The official implementation of the strategy dubbed ‘Strategy Launch for the Sustainable Development of the Tilapia value chain in Zimbabwe’ was graced by dignitaries from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the Agricultural and rural advisory services department, fisheries and aquatic resources management, fish farming community and international representatives.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development representative Milton Makumbe said Zimbabwe will benefit a lot from its inclusion in OACPS grouping.
“We feel very honoured to be among the OACPS groupings as Zimbabwe seeks to implement FISH4ACP programme. Government fully recognises the role of fish farming in addressing food nutrition, employment creation and empowerment of rural vicinities. The emancipation of tilapia production will be a firm step in the achievement of National Development Strategy (NDS) 1,” said Makumbe.
He added that government is aware of the low fish consumption in the country and this has had negative impact on fish market movement.
“Government notes concerns of the low levels of fish consumption in the country as highlighted by 2.6 kg per capita. It’s a sad reality looking at the fact that Zimbabwe has vast water bodies which can be utilized for fish production,” he added.
Fish4ACP Programme Management Unit Focal Person for Zimbabwe Yaiza Dronkers said the strategy is a package meant to target various objectives from value addition to sustainable production.
“The areas that we have now concluded are increase of economic performance, value chain in Zimbabwe and ensuring inclusivity and social sustainability. OACPS will pay particular attention to small and medium scale fish farmers who have the ability to support economic boom.
“FISH4ACP is a five year initiative that is driven by OACPS and FAO is the implementing organization. European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are co-funding the projects in Zimbabwe and the 11 other value chains,” said Dronkers.
With Zimbabwe targeting 14 000 metric tons of fish for both local consumption and export, the strategy is geared towards value addition of the most popular fish in Zimbabwe, tilapia.
Zimbabwe Fish Producers Association (ZFPA) chairperson Garikai Munatsirei told TellZim that in as much as the strategy is launched and in motion, government should prioritize rectification of challenges facing fish farmers.
“The fish farming industry is facing a lot of challenges that affect final product sale. Fish produce ends up expensive because inputs and other related costs are high,” said Munatsirei.
He added that government should address regulations guiding fish farming sector.
“When a fish farmer is a victim of theft, culprits should be awarded the same as someone who has stolen cattle. Fish theft is the same as stock theft because a lot of inputs are invested into the business.” he said.
The event also marked the signing of Mutare Declaration for ‘Strategy Launch for the Sustainable Development of Tilapia value chain in Zimbabwe’.
Signatories were Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development representative Mr Milton Ncube, Chair for Farmed Tilapia Value Chain Working Group Mr Sokonia Kaitano, Vice Chairperson for Tilapia Value Chain Working Group Afra Nanhanga and Zimbabwe Women and Youth in Agribusiness Trust (ZWAYAT) Champion Mrs Cecilia Muchechesi.
Muchechesi said the opportunity is one in a million for young women and youth to venture into fish farming.
The event was also buttressed by two field trips to Manicaland based fish farming projects.
The first field was slated for Spring Glory farm coordinated by John Simon while the second one was at Haggai farm managed by Godfrey Chironda.
Haggai farm specialises in the farming of black soldier fly larvae which is a tried and tested organic fish feed.