Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Martin Kadzere
2 August 2005
Harare — THE Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (Sirdc) is set to embark on a multi-billion-dollar dam construction project in Mudzi district, in a development which is expected to boost agricultural production in the area.
The Chipara Dam will be built on Mudzi River, about 50km south-west of Kotwa Growth Point.
Sirdc has already sought audience with the Ministry of Water Resources and Infrastructural Development through the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and various stakeholders are expected to come in to ensure the project becomes a reality.
This comes at a time when the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and Government have already joined hands to ensure food security by funding the rehabilitation of irrigation projects countrywide.
A total of $5 trillion has already been set aside for the revival of various irrigation projects which were vandalised by former white farmers in protest against the agrarian reform which the Government embarked on in 2000.
"The Ministry of Water Resources and Infrastructural Development, through Zinwa, is engaged in a programme of major dam planning and construction to meet the irrigation requirements for the achievement of one of the most important national objectives, that of attaining self-sufficiency in food production," Sirdc said.
Wheat is among the crops which will be given priority under the agricultural activities to be undertaken when the dam is completed.
The dam will also be used to supply water to Kotwa Growth Point, one of the major areas providing employment in the area.
Other projects earmarked for rehabilitation include Ranch River irrigation scheme, Mukahanana irrigation scheme in Manicaland, Bezeley Bridge irrigation scheme along Odzi River in Marange communal lands, Mutezva irrigation scheme in Masvingo, among others.
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