Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE government’s dam economy initiative is bearing fruit, with communities in Beitbridge benefiting from various economic activities brought about by the construction of Zhovhe Dam.
While irrigation projects have remained a major highlight at water bodies across the country, fisheries projects are emerging as a game changer for rural economies.
The establishment of Zhovhe Dam in Beitbridge District continues to boost aquaculture production, enabling rural communities to diversify their sources of income while improving household food security.
One beneficiary said the dam had transformed lives and created employment opportunities for local people.
“When this dam was constructed in the late 1990s, I was in South Africa seeking employment. When I returned home, I realised that the establishment of Zhovhe Dam had created many empowerment opportunities through the fisheries project. I decided to join others and start fishing, and from that time I have been able to look after my family,” he said.
Another beneficiary said the project had enabled villagers to earn sustainable incomes while supporting their families.
“Since the establishment of this dam, I have been fishing legally with other villagers and earning a decent living because we sell the fish for both income and food. All my children went to school through proceeds from fishing, and one of them is now a university graduate,” he said.
Zhovhe Fisheries Project management said the initiative has grown beyond supplying local markets in Beitbridge.
“We are no longer supplying only the local market in Beitbridge. We now have customers from different towns, including Bulawayo and Masvingo,” said Zhovhe Fisheries Project manager, Mr Thomas Sibanda.
Zhovhe Fisheries Project chairperson, Mr Entin Muleya, said the dam had improved the livelihoods of many families in the area.
“For me, I can say I have benefited twice from Zhovhe Dam. First, I worked here during its construction, and now I am involved in fishing. Through this fisheries project, many families have built decent homes and sent their children to school without difficulty,” he said.
The Second Republic continues to rehabilitate old dams and construct new ones to expand fish farming activities across the country as Zimbabwe moves towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
