JUST IN: Chombwe Pfumvudza crops in good shape
George Maponga in Masvingo
Crops grown under the Pfumvudza concept with irrigation support from the $8million Chombwe Piped Water Scheme in northern Chivi are in excellent condition pointing to a bumper harvest in the area for the first time in years.
The scheme was commissioned by President Mnangagwa in December last year after being bankrolled using devolution funds.
Among the crops being grown under a model Pfumvudza project on an area straddling two hectares near Chombwe Hill, is maize, cowpeas, sorghum, rapoko and sunflower.
Provincial Agritex Officer Mr Aaron Muchazivepi is upbeat about prospects of a bumper harvest saying the the crop situation at Chombwe was testimony of the efficacy of the Pfumvudza concept.
CPU on high alert as Tugwi-Mukosi swells
Masvingo Bureau
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) is on high alert over possible flooding downstream of Tugwi-Mukosi Dam in southern Masvingo, with an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter being put on standby to airlift affected families, as the dam nears spilling, allowing the Tugwi River to flow unimpeded.
Tugwi-Mukosi, Zimbabwe’s largest interior dam situated in Chivi district near Ngundu Growth Point, was yesterday afternoon 89 percent full, raising prospects that it could spill in the next few days.
When the dam spills, there are fears that the extra flow from upstream will cause the already-swollen Tugwi River downstream of the reservoir to burst its banks and affect communities in Chivi and Chiredzi districts.
The project was financed through Government’s devolution funds.
President Mnangagwa said the devolution programme would transform the lives of the rural folk over the next five years through financing the development of piped water schemes that will supply water for domestic consumption, irrigation and livestock.
The Chombwe scheme had been mothballed for nearly 25 years owing to the breakdown of infrastructure to pump, store and convey water.
Nearly 10 000 households in arid Chivi North and Central constituencies will benefit from the scheme through the supply of piped raw water, with an estimated 5 000 hectares expected to be put under irrigation, boosting harvests and disposable incomes for surrounding communities.
Zimbabwe: Bright Future Beckons - President allafrica.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from allafrica.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.