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Runesu Gwidi Masvingo Correspondent
Thousands of villagers in drought-prone Bikita received a major boost after the British government availed $800 000 for the installation of solar-powered technology to drive four irrigation schemes across the district.

The four irrigation schemes are Mashoko, Kufandada, Rozva and Chinyamapungu.

The funds were made available through the Climate Resilient Infrastructural Development Facility (CRIDF), while the Zimbabwe National Water Authority was responsible for installing the solar-powered technology at the schemes.

Masvingo provincial crops and livestock officer Mr Peter Chamisa hailed the introduction of solar-powered irrigation technology, which he said would cushion the province in the face of recurrent droughts caused by climate change.

Mr Chamisa hailed CRIDF and Zinwa for the installation of solar-powered technology at irrigation schemes in Bikita, where thousands of families required food aid annually.

“Agritex will soon embark on a programme to educate plot-holders at the solar-powered irrigation schemes in Bikita on better farming methods, crop storage, processing and marketing,” he said.

“The advantage of solar-driven irrigation schemes is that there are no high maintenance costs, while the technology produces high yields with very little labour input.”

The move to install solar-powered irrigation technology has since been applauded by traditional leaders in Bikita who paid tribute to the UK government for financing the project.

They also hailed the new dispensation in the country for creating an enabling environment for foreign governments and international donor organisations to lend a hand to uplift the lives of Zimbabweans.

Kufandada Irrigation Scheme was expected to provide food security for households at the sprawling Nyika Growth Point and villagers in Mukanganwi communal lands.