Story by Tamuka Charakupa
AT least eight thousand hectares have been earmarked for irrigation development in Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency in Chipinge as part of government efforts to boost food security in the dry region.
The setting aside of land for irrigation development has been met with optimism by Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency residents who are convinced it will ensure household food security and enhance livelihoods.
“This is a welcome move by the government. Our area is in natural region five where we have very high temperatures. We believe irrigation will transform our area into a greenbelt.
“This is a move which will guarantee food security for this area while also generating income for the ordinary people.
“This is a dry region in which we only grow small grains which at times even fail to reach harvesting period because of high temperatures so this earmarked development is a step in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, a constituency feedback meeting held at Rimbi Shopping Centre this Friday has been commended for bridging the information gap between parliamentary events and the grassroots.
“We welcome this platform which has been revived by our MP because we are now familiarised with what is happening at parliament.”
“Our party ZANU PF through our legislator Hon Gata has once again proven to us why it is a government of the people. She is always giving us feedback from Parliament so that we move together knowing the current affairs and developments happening in our area.”
Mutema Musikavanhu legislator Honourable Angeline Gata underscored the significance of the irrigation development plan as fulfilment of the government’s inclusive development policy.
“I am happy to confirm that indeed government has already begun the preliminary works of developing the 8 000 hectare piece of land for irrigation. This is a life-changing development for this area given its location and the high temperatures that characterise this area.
“Our people rely on irrigation for food and its downstream benefits. Once complete they are able to send their children to school and generate income for other small-scale development,” she said.
With the country targeting an upper middle-income society by 2030, the government is implementing the Rural Development 8.0 Model to uplift rural livelihoods through creating village business units and irrigation development, among other strategies.
