Story by Fungai Jachi
THE Development Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ) is advancing plans to develop 30 000 hectares of commercial irrigation downstream of Tugwi-Mukosi Dam in Mwenezi, with 3 000 hectares already under sugarcane as the project positions itself as a major agro-industrial hub.
The large-scale scheme has attracted eight investors, who are driving commercial agriculture and value-addition initiatives, including plans to establish an ethanol processing plant in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
DTZ General Manager, Mr Emmanuel Jakachira said the project is gathering momentum, with employment and irrigation coverage expected to increase significantly.
“Things are progressing well as we accelerate irrigation development. More than 1 000 people have already been employed, with a target of creating 15 000 jobs at the peak of the project. Beyond farming, we are also working towards establishing an ethanol processing plant, which will support the Government’s fuel blending programme under NDS2.”
Investors have adopted centre-pivot irrigation technology to improve water efficiency and boost productivity, while some are preparing to diversify into citrus production for export markets.
Investor Mr Lawrence Mahakwa said his company has committed significant resources to expanding sugarcane production.
“We have 2 500 hectares, of which 250 hectares are currently under sugarcane. This year, we are planting an additional 750 hectares, bringing the total to 1 000 hectares under cane. So far, we have invested approximately US$10 million into the project.”
Mr Andries Breytenbach said centre-pivot irrigation is helping maximise production while conserving water.
“We use centre-pivot irrigation because it conserves water and delivers higher yields than flood irrigation. Our target is to produce at least 140 tonnes of cane per hectare.”
Another investor, Mr Guyfield Mpehla said expansion plans also include citrus production.
“Our target by the end of the year is to have 600 hectares under sugarcane. We are also planning to venture into citrus production, targeting the export market.”
The project has already created more than 1 000 jobs, with the workforce expected to grow to 15 000 as operations expand.
“We are happy that this project has created employment opportunities for us. We can now better provide for our families,” said one employee.
Another worker said the development is transforming livelihoods through productive use of land and water resources.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda said the partnership between Government and local investors demonstrates the country’s agricultural potential.
“It is encouraging to witness the level of development that has taken place on what was previously virgin land. Water from Tugwi-Mukosi Dam is now being fully utilised, and the Government’s partnership model is clearly yielding results. This demonstrates that Zimbabweans can effectively utilise the resources with which the country is endowed.”
Dr Soda also dismissed claims that communities were being unfairly displaced from Nuanetsi Ranch.
“This dispels the misinformation and disinformation that some people are being displaced from Nuanetsi Ranch. A few individuals who had settled illegally have been relocated to designated areas where they can be properly supported by the Government… Approximately 14 000 families who were settled along the Runde River are being relocated to designated areas. So far, about 2 500 families have already been resettled and issued with proper title documents.”
The irrigation scheme is expected to become a key agro-industrial corridor, with expanded irrigation, ethanol production and export-oriented agriculture projected to drive employment, value addition and economic growth in Masvingo Province.
