Chimanimani benefits from DDF irrigation schemes

Irrigation schemes in Chimanimani has so far utilised over $200 000 from the $600 000 that was allocated by Government to District Development Fund (DDF) for district developmental projects in 2019.

Manicaland District Development Fund provincial head Mr Robert Chawatama said the funds were being used to rehabilitate irrigation projects under the National Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development programme to improve the livelihoods of people across the country.

Under the programme, DDF is expected to restore 2 000 hectares of irrigable land per year in each district.

“We are still working towards finishing the draft for the Chimanimani area, but work has already commenced,” said Mr Chawatama.

“In Cashel Valley, we have since developed 386 hectares of irrigable land that is being utilised by 381 families who irrigate using flood irrigation system.

“We drilled and installed three new boreholes for potable water, 13 storage dams were desilted, 1,2 km of earth irrigations were also repaired.”

Mr Chawatama said DDF has also rehabilitated a damaged weir at Svinurai scheme and constructed new weirs at three irrigation schemes (Quaggas, Maraisi and Bomhoni) and completed construction of a take-off point at Mandima scheme.

“The first phase was completed with a total of 109 farmers benefiting from the tilled 70 hectares,” he said. “The second phase comprising 100 hectares will commence after the servicing of tractors by the Department of Mechanisation.”

Mr Chawatama said Government has also allocated $310 000 for the 100 hectare Chigodora irrigations scheme and work was expected to start in the second quarter of this year.