… As Tugwi-Mukosi dam creates vast opportunities for Masvingo
Perpetua Murungweni/ Beverly Bizeki
The government is set to replicate the tourist attraction system after Victoria Falls and Kariba towns in Chivi following the completion of Tugwi-Mukosi Master Plan which is set to open opportunities for both local and international investors.
This was revealed by the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira during an engagement meeting between residents, local government and the media organised by Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) in Masvingo on April 21; 2023.
“There is going to be a town around Tugwi-Mukosi where we are going to have universities, colleges or even residential stands and shopping malls. In fact we are going to replicate the system in Kariba or in Victoria Falls towns,” said Chadzamira.
With about 40 000 hectares (ha) of land set for irrigation, the dam is also set to turn Masvingo into a greenbelt following the availability of water for agricultural purposes.
“In agriculture, we are going to irrigate about 40 000 ha where we are going to get the water from the dam. Some of the water is already being used to water sugarcane plantations and some will also be invested into citrus farming,” added Chadzamira.
Tugwi-Mukosi with a combination of other dams is going to assist towards food security according to Chadzamira.
“With a combination of other dams, Tugwi-Mukosi is going to assist in food security as government has earmarked 70 000 ha of land under irrigation schemes,” said Chadzamira.
Chivi Rural District Council (RDC) Human Resources and Administration Officer Archibald Ncube who was representing Chivi Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariro Matavire during the press club meeting also revealed that the local authority has earmarked residential as well as industrial stands.
“At the moment our growth point has 500 residential stands available for this year 2023 ready for our take, 14 stands for Flats as well as industrial stands on offer and 100 ha of land set aside for solar investment project. The power that is going to be generated is going to benefit the Chivi community.
“There is also land available for fish processing plants and crocodile farming,” said Ncube.
Chivi RDC and Masvingo RDC are the two administrative authorities over dam and have the responsibility to facilitate Tugwi-Mukosi investment opportunities around and within the dam.
