Fredrick Moyo
ZAKA– Member of Parliament (MP) for Zaka West constituency, Ophias Murambiwa last week commissioned Bvumbura dip tank in Murembwa village, under chief Nyakunhuwa, coming to the rescue of villagers who had to walk long distances to dip their cattle.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Murambiwa said the dip tank would go a long way in reducing cattle deaths in the district.
“Murembwa villagers were walking for over eight kilometers to the nearest dip tank and when they lodged their plea, we saw it necessary to swiftly construct this dip tank because cattle were dying and it was becoming unbearable”, said Murambiwa.
Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Officer, Dr Ernest Dzimwasha who also graced the event encouraged villagers to take their cattle to their nearest dip tanks once a week, to reduce the spread of diseases.
“We are encouraging people to take their cattle to dip tanks near them, so that the spread of the diseases will be controlled,” said Dr Dzimwasha.
John Muchadenyika a villager applauded the development that he said came at the right time and had put an end to their burden of walking long distances.
“We used to wake up very early and walk to nearby villages but now we have our own Bvumbura dip tank that has saved us from walking long distances to have our cattle dipped,” said Muchadenyika.
Since January, over 4000 cattle succumbed to foot and mouth and theileriosis popularly known as January disease in Masvingo.
Also present at the event was ward 17 Councillor Chrispen Watadza and Chief Nyakunhuwa born name Courage Mashavave.
The dip tank project completed in three months was constructed using Constituency Development Funds (CDF) 2021 allocation and named after Bvumbura Mountain.
Murembwa villagers were some of the most affected with the deadly theileriosis that left villagers counting loses this year when the disease killed many cattle in the district.
Villagers had to walk for hours to Cherechere and Zenguvo villages in order to get to the nearest dip tanks.
