Bulawayo Kraal update pump station
Whinsley Masara, Business Reporter
THE Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga, Matabeleland North province, is taking shape and is expected to be fully operational by October, a minister has said.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cain Mathema said the strategic project, which is key to the food security and nutrition cluster under Zim-Asset, would be a game changer in the development of Binga District and the entire province.
“The irrigation scheme was identified as one of Zim-Asset projects in Matabeleland North and is expected to be completed this year so that work starts in this coming rainy season,” said Minister Mathema in an interview.
“Most installations and construction work has already been done making us even more hopeful.”
The minister said Binga was one of the most food insecure districts in the country hence the completion of the irrigation scheme would empower communities and ensure food self sufficiency.
The minister said the First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe, who took over the supervision of the project last year, has indicated the need for its speedy implementation so that planting starts this year.
He also said more funding should be allocated to the project from the fiscus.
A Chronicle news crew visited the irrigation scheme last Friday and observed that most infrastructure installations that include water pumps and centre pivots had been done.
A resident technician said: “Of the expected 10,000 hectare field, 250 hectares has so far been cleared. To cater for that we have managed to install three out of 4x400m centre pivots, with each expected to cover a radius of more than 50 hectares.
“Four bridges that are meant to give access to the main pump station along the Zambezi River have been constructed too.”
The technician said one pump house was almost complete.
“We have also fabricated a pontoon for the six submersible pumps. Seven foundations for the staff quarters have been put in place with 11 toilets in the fields having been completed,” he said.
A traditional leader, Chief Pashu said the completion of the irrigation scheme would impact positively on the livelihoods of locals.
“Once this project kicks off it is expected to improve food security in the drought-prone district with many getting employed in the scheme.
“We want this project not only to benefit Binga district but the province as a whole. Binga must become the bread basket of the province,” said Chief Pashu.
The multi-million dollar project was initiated in 2004 but had been failing to take off due to funding challenges. Things only started moving when Dr Mugabe intervened.
The irrigation scheme is earmarked for sugarcane, sugar beans, maize, bananas, wheat, and soya beans among other crops.