Zibusiso Dlamini
GOVERNMENT has continued to monitor progress at some of the key projects that are currently under construction in Matabeleland North province.
This was revealed by Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa in her Tuesday post Cabinet briefing.
The three projects include Gariya Dam, Anju Prison Farm and Gwayi-Shangani Dam.
“Cabinet received and noted the monitoring visit report on selected 7th 100-Day Cycle and Provincial Flagship Projects in Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces which was presented by the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Hon. Joram Gumbo.
The purpose of the visit was to appreciate progress as well as the challenges that affect project implementation,” Mutsvangwa said.
Gariya Dam is the largest water reservoir in Tsholotsho District drawing its water from Manzamnyama River. The dam provides water for livestock in the communities of Gariya 1-3, Butabubili, Mutshina and Phumula and Manzamnyama in the neighbouring Bulilima-Mangwe District.
The dam which has a capacity of 4 million cubic metres also supplies water for wildlife in the Hwange National Park which borders the Gariya area.
The dam which was constructed in 1953 breached its walls during Cyclone Dineo in 2017 leaving surrounding communities without water for their livestock.
Work to repair the breached wall and to raise it repairs commenced in October 2019 following the disbursement of $8 million from Treasury, since then the project is yet to be complete.
Turning to the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, Mutsvangwa said,”when completed, it will be the 3rd largest inland dam in the country. It will supply potable water to Bulawayo Metropolitan Province as well as to Hwange and Binga communities, the project is about 40% completion.”
Government is targeting to complete the first phase of the project by December with several ministerial visits having been the order of the day lately as they push for its speedy completion.
Turning to the Anju Prison Farm located in Nyamandlovu in Umguza District. Government has been working on capacitating the farm as part of efforts to boost productivity in Matabeleland North province.
The 203-hectare farm with an arable land of 130 hectares is being utilised for the production of a wide range of horticultural produce, cereals and edible oil seeds. Produce realised at the farm is channeled towards feeding inmates at Matabeleland region prisons while some of it is sold as a way of generating income to assist in the day to day operations at the institutions.
The organisation has also introduced fish farming at the farm as part of its efforts to supplement the diet of inmates. It also operates one such project in Lupane.
