Maboyi calls for partnerships to revive irrigation farming

A few major irrigation schemes in Beitbridge are operating at full capacity

Beitbridge West legislator Cde Ruth Maboyi has called on communities and Government to partner with development agencies to revive irrigation schemes here.

She said dryland farming was a challenge in the area, hence the need to prioritise irrigation development.

Cde Maboyi expressed concern over the state of most irrigation schemes which are not functioning at full capacity.

Addressing people during a constituency feedback meeting at Musane area some 90km west of the border town at the weekend, she said farming was a source of livelihood for many villagers in Beitbridge.

“It is very sad to note that a few major irrigation schemes in the district are operating at full capacity,” said Cde Maboyi.

“We have enough irrigation schemes here which if revived, will generate revenue for the district and produce enough for our people,” she said.

“We need to encourage each other to enter into partnerships with development agencies and all progressive minds. Food security is one aspect we need to look at a people oriented government.”

Cde Maboyi said the poor state of irrigation projects and the imminent drought was a cause for concern.

She said the drought had affected both human and livestock and that the situation had been made worse by the drying up of water sources.

According to Cde Maboyi, most irrigation schemes were facing acute water shortages, aging pumps and lack of electricity to power the pumps.

“We are also appealing to Government to expedite the rolling out of supplementary stock feed programme to save our livestock.

‘‘We are a cattle country and the state of pastures is worrying. Our economy among other things in this region is linked mostly to animal husbandry,” she said.

Speaking during the same meeting, Ward 11 (Musane) Councillor Cde Mpulukeng Lamola said the poor state of fields and irrigation schemes had worsened the food deficit in the area.

“The food situation is dire considering that people have to travel to other towns to get food.

‘‘However, we are grateful that Government with its partners have been consistent in terms of the drought relief programme,” she said.

Some of the major (irrigation) schemes in Beitbridge include Zhovhe, Shashe, Tshikwalakwala, Jalukanga, Bili, Tongwe, River Ranch, Zhovhe-Masera and Kwalu, with most of them either grounded or little farming activities are taking place.