Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
BAMBANANI Irrigation Scheme in Mangwe District is set to re-open after lying idle for the past 12 years due to a fault in the water system.
Mangwe Rural District Council chief executive officer Nketha Mangoye Dlamini said a local investor had partnered with community members to resuscitate the 60-hectare irrigation scheme located in Sanzukwi Ward.
He said plans were also underway to expand the irrigation scheme to 150 hectares.
‘‘As a local authority we managed to bring on board an investor Masola, Drummond and Partners to assist in reviving Bambanani Irrigation which is in Sanzukwi. The investors, council and community members recently signed a memorandum of understanding to mark the start of the project.
‘‘The investor will assist with finances, equipment and expertise to revive the project while community members will provide labour. The project will be under the control of locals but the investor will also benefit in the process,’’ he said.
Dlamini said there are about 120 plot holders in the project. He said the irrigation scheme stopped working after a pump drawing water from Ingwizi Dam to the irrigation scheme broke down but villagers failed to raise money for repairs.
He could not immediately state the amount of money the investors were ploughing into the project.
‘‘It’s a relief that resuscitation of the irrigation scheme is underway as this will alleviate food shortages within the district. Gone are the days where villagers relied on rainfall to sustain their farming activities and we’re trying to encourage villagers to utilise alternative methods at their disposal.
‘‘It’ll also help to alleviate pressure upon Ingwizi Irrigation as villagers from several wards were now flocking the irrigation scheme in desperate need for farming space following disruption of activities at Bambanani,’’ said Dlamini.
The chairperson of Bambanani Irrigation Scheme Cooperative, Sylvester Nleya, said they hoped to plant their first crop at the beginning of the summer season.