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Minister Chinamasa

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
At least 14 irrigation schemes here are set to benefit from $52,1 million that was earmarked for the rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation schemes throughout Zimbabwe in the $5,1 billion 2018 National Budget Statement presented by Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa.

Minister Chinamasa said the 14 irrigation schemes would be allocated $3,4 million by the Food and Agricultural Organisation.
“Through the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, FAO will also disburse $3,4 million towards 14 irrigation schemes in Masvingo province,” he said.

Minister Chinamasa underscored the need for Zimbabwe to build on the previous gains accrued in attaining food security through increased production.
“The gains we have achieved in attaining food security under the Special Maize Production Programme through increased production and productivity by harnessing our irrigation potential and optimal utilisation of existing idle water bodies,” he said.

“In this regard, the budget has an allocation of $52,1 million for irrigation rehabilitation targeting 200 hectares per each district. This will be implemented annually for the next 10 years. This should also create the necessary resilience to rainfall variability, critical for food self-sufficiency.”

Minister Chinamasa said a special committee would be set up to oversee the success of the ambitious programme, which will be heavily supported by the country’s development partners.

“The budget will also allocate $2,7 million for project development activities on the $35,7 million Zhove Irrigation project set to be funded by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development,” he said.

“The small-holder irrigation revitalisation project, co-funded by International Fund for Agriculture (IFAD), OFID and Government will disburse US$6,9 million. This is meant for the revitalisation and expansion of Musikavanhu in Manicaland, Sebasa, Chikwalakwala, Exchange and Rupungwana irrigation schemes.” Minister Chinamasa said FAO with the support from European Union will disburse $2 million for ongoing works at 20 irrigation schemes in Matabeleland South and Manicaland provinces.

“An amount of $3,3 million will also be disbursed by the Japanese International Cooperation for ongoing works at Nyakomba Project Block A,” he said. The national budget statement presented under the “New Economic Order” theme has been widely commended as reflective of a new trajectory and pragmatic enough to deal with challenges facing the country.

The main highlights among many were: the abolishing of 3 700 posts for youth officers and retiring of civil servants above the age of 65 years starting January 2018. This, among other cocktail measures to reduce Government expenditures, will go a long way in retaining confidence in the country’s economy.