Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – The government is set to establish a new irrigation scheme in headman Mushaya’s area under Chief Bota, with the idea of improving agricultural production among the local people.
Last week Zaka West legislator Vincent Mawere and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Davies Marapira toured the site of the proposed irrigation scheme.
The project, which is known as the Mushaya Irrigation Scheme, would be the second biggest in the district if developed and will draw its water from Bangala Dam.
Mawere said he was happy that government had heeded calls for such a project in the area which is blessed with large water bodies that supply the Lowveld sugarcane plantations.
“Zaka is blessed with water; we have Bangala, Manjirenji and Siya dams and other smaller ones but we have not been benefiting from that water. I’m happy now that the government through the Ministry of Agriculture have noticed that,” said Mawere.
On the same note, Marapira praised Mawere for working hard to bring development to the people he represents.
“I want to assure you that the government will do its best to make this project a success. It has been on cards since 1990 before being raised again in 1997.
It is now time for implementation and the government will do whatever it takes to make it work. People are going to benefit from the Presidential Input Scheme and Command Agriculture once the project kicks off,” Marapira said.
Zaka District Administrator (DA) Victor Zinanga urged people to unite and embrace the project by providing labour when the time comes.
“Avoid gossiping, and simple politics that hinder development. Unite and make this project a success. I urge you to cooperate and provide labour for you will be the beneficiaries of this project,” said Zinanga
The irrigation measures about 100 hectares and lies along Mutirikwi River just a stone throw from the Bangala Dam wall.local
