Story by Tamuka Charakupa
Government says it is making strides towards control of tsetse fly particularly in Mashonaland West Province which has 80 percent of the total infested land.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development is holding its provincial strategic review meeting in Banket this week, with the need to maintain high crop and animal production.
Animal production in Mashonaland West province was however noted to be under threat from tsetse fly, amid revelations that the province accounts for over 80 percent of the 18400 square kilometres infested area across the country.
Director in the Department of Tsetse Control Services, Mr Alban Mhindurwa said a whole of government approach has been activated to eradicate tsetse fly from Matusadonha National Park which has since been identified as the breeding source.
“The remaining area which is tsetse infested in the country is approximately 18 400 square kilometers and of that about 80 percent is in Mashonaland West. Our thrust at the moment is to make sure that we eliminate the problem from all remaining communal areas that account for 3 600 square kilometres,” he said.
The Provincial Director in the ministry, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said the review workshop aims to unify operations across all relevant stakeholders.
She said, “We had a ministerial strategic workshop last year but now we have met at provincial level to ensure that the ministry, departments, agencies and partners are implementing the same objectives in sync to strengthen our key pillars which include increased food production and security, animal production and promotion of nutrition.”
Office of the Minister of the State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution’s director, Mr Douglas Chiwiro spoke on the importance of a whole of government approach in the development of the province.
“The GDP of Mashonaland West Province is anchored on agriculture so it is important that this meeting has been held to perfect their operations in line with NDS1 and NDS 2. As government at provincial level, we will continue to coordinate development in line with our national vision.”
Meanwhile, tsetse fly transmits tiny parasites that cause sleeping sickness in humans and trypanosomiasis in animals.
