Beitbridge Bureau Chief
Beitbridge Rural District Council and the Southern Alliance for Indigenous Resources have struck a deal, in which, the NGO will provide US$200 000 to rehabilitate Shashe Irrigation Scheme, some 120km west of Beitbridge Town.
The rehabilitation programme is expected to be in two phases implemented over six months.
Shashe irrigation scheme, which was founded by in 1975, covers 120 hectares and is a source of livelihood for 184 plot holders though at full capacity it can cater for 800 families.
However, only five hectares are being tilled at the moment due to an acute shortage of water and other inputs. Safire is a local NGO mainly involved in community-based resources management, livelihood improvement, food security and relief for disadvantaged communities.
The organisation’s director, Mr Gladman Kundhlande, said: "We are working on refurbishing the Shashe Irrigation Scheme following the breakdown of the engine pumps, pipes and the canals. These were destroyed by Cyclone Eline-induced rains. We will also equip irrigation farmers with skills to maintain and manage their projects as well as link them with markets for their produce."
Beitbridge Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Albert Mbedzi, yesterday said work had already started.
He said the Shashe scheme had for the past few years malfunctioned due to aged infrastructure.Only one of four installed pumps is working full-time. "The Shashe project will be used as a barometer for future funding of other schemes in the district. Preliminary work has already been completed and we expect civil works to begin any time soon," Mr Mbedzi said.
He said they were also working on rehabilitation of Bili Irrigation Scheme with assistance from the European Union.
Mr Mbedzi said that they had approached Care International to assist in rehabilitating the 63ha Tshikwalakwala Irrigation Scheme, located 135km east of the border town.
Herald 12 November 2010
www.herald.co.zw
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