Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE establishment of Village Business Units is continuing in various communities across the country, amid transformation of many livelihoods.
Madzivire Village Business Unit in Ward 11 of Masvingo West is among 200 VBUs established by the Second Republic in Masvingo province and have changed many lives by improving people’s incomes and ensuring food security at household level.
Beneficiaries of the Madzivire project say they are now able to grow crops all year round, with continuously supporting them.
“We want to appreciate the work that is being done by our government in our communities. When this project started, we never thought we would reach a stage where we would be selling horticulture projects,” a beneficiary said.
“Currently, we are working on putting up fish ponds for fishing projects. This means more money to us and our children will now be spending time on these projects. We thank our government for empowering us and we look forward to more of these projects,” another added.
Speaking after touring the project, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said government is targeting to ensure each village has a business unit.
“As a province, we appreciate what the government has been doing in our communities in terms of borehole sinking. They went a step further to establish village business units where up to date, we have nearly 200 of these. Villagers are working together to produce food for their consumption and at the same time, sell surplus. These VBUs have seen many being able to fend for their families. Going forward, we are looking forward to continue establishing these VBUs with a target of every village across the province.”
The Second Republic under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has funded various agriculture programmes meant to ensure food security and these include village business units, irrigation schemes, livestock and poultry projects.
