Story by Providence Maraneli
THE Second Republic’s commitment to rural industrialisation continues, with communities around the newly rehabilitated Wanezi Dam benefiting from the Presidential Fisheries Programme.
A piped water scheme and irrigation systems were constructed at the dam in Insiza district of Matabeleland South province.
The dam received a stocking of 10 000 fingerlings from the Presidential Fisheries Programme.
The US$3.3 million project has set the Wanezi community on a development pathway.
“This dam project will help the district in its fight against climate change and the fisheries programme will empower communities, especially women,” Insiza RDC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shepherd Tshuma said.
“With a vision to increase fish production from 20 000 metric tonnes to 60 000 metric tonnes per year by 2030, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of this sector,” Matabeleland South Province’s Economic Development officer Ms Gail Ncube stated.
Government is on a drive to maximise the potential of the country’s dams and prospects of commercial fish farming to improve fish production.
“The ministry envisions these dams become hubs for commercial fishing activities. By providing adequate training, we aim to empower all communities to engage in commercial fishing and generating income and creating jobs,” the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Honourable Davis Marapira said.
The Wanezi Dam project benefits more than 70 families, with a 35-hectare irrigation scheme on a centre pivot and a piped water scheme to Wanezi Mission High School.
