Vungu irrigation schemes ready
The Herald
Midlands Correspondent
Over 5 000 families in Vungu area outside Gweru are set to benefit from four irrigation schemes targeted for rehabilitation by the Government.
In an interview, newly elected Vungu Constituency Member of the House of Assembly Cde Omega Sibanda said plans were underway to rehabilitate irrigation schemes at Insukamini, Mkoba, Shagari and Mambandeni areas.
“There are four irrigation schemes which are vital for socio-economic growth of Vungu Constituency namely Insukamini, Mkoba, Shagari and Mambandeni,” he said.
“After their rehabilitation more than 5 000 families will benefit from irrigation, a development that is expected to change the socio-economic activity of the area.”
Cde Sibanda said the irrigation schemes will result in food security among the community.
“Through the irrigation schemes, the community members will be able to provide food for the ready Gweru market and they will not starve,” he said.
Cde Sibanda said there was need to desilt some of the dams in the area, so as to increase their carrying capacity.
“We will also desilt dams like Nkabulani, Mkoba, Insukamini so that their carrying capacity is increased,” he said. “Siltation has been taking place over the past years, which reduced the carrying capacity of most dams.”
Cde Sibanda said more boreholes will be drilled in the area to avert water crises.