The Hungoidza garden project
Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – The Lutheran Development Service (LDS), a developmental arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, has intervened in a gardening project in Mangezi village under Chief Neshuro by installing modern equipment and irrigation facilities.
The Hungoidza garden project now boasts a solar-powered irrigation service and is sustaining the livelihoods of people in 57 households of ward 5.
The one hectare collaborative scheme achieved a turnaround after LDS secured funding from the Dan Church Aid to procure the requisite equipment.
Speaking during the official opening of the upgraded garden last Tuesday, project chairperson, Timitia Dziva said after the LDS partnership, the project had seen major improvements taking place.
“Hungoidza garden came into existence around 1992 and we used to cover the garden with tree branches. When LDS came with solar-powered irrigation material in 2015, our garden became vibrant. We are now able to generate produces for family consumption and surplus for sale,” said Dziva.
LDS board member, Reverend Tawanda Chovere encouraged Hungoidza garden beneficiaries to remain united and continue working hard so that the garden can keep on flourishing.
Speaking at the same occasion, Dan Church Aid programmes officer, Diego Matsvange said irrigation schemes like the Hungoidza garden were a critical development in face of the unreliable rainfall patterns in low lying areas.
Mwenezi Assistant District Administrator (DA), Martin Musakanda expressed gratitude over the work being done by LDS in improving livelihoods and self-sustenance among people.
The official opening of the garden was attended by various dignitaries and stakeholders among them LDS director Simangaliso Hove, LDS staff, Chief Neshuro, ward councillors, village heads, civil servants and ordinary people.local
