Zimpapers Logo

Elita Chikwati in Chimanimani
Farmers at Cashel Valley Irrigation Schemes are set to increase production after the District Development Fund stepped up efforts to resuscitate schemes that were affected by Cyclone Idai. Cyclone Idai destroyed Svinurai, Mandima, Bomhoni, Maraisi, Quaggas and Nyambeya schemes which are now being resuscitated by DDF through its public works initiative.

The destructions had negatively affected households that were relying on farming for their livelihoods.
Cashel Valley irrigation schemes supported 381 families who use flood irrigation to grow tomatoes, peas, sugarbeans, maize, wheat, potatoes and cabbages among other crops.

The cyclone washed away and in some siltation and clogging of some weirs. Some schemes had their canals silted by debris.
DDF Manicaland provincial co-ordinator Mr Robert Chawatama said they expected to complete the repairs by end of November.

He said before Cyclone Idai, the schemes had been operating at 30 percent capacity.
“The cyclone had silted night storage reservoirs, breached lined irrigation canal, damaged weirs and earth canals that wasted water through seepage.

“DDF was then assigned by Government to rehabilitate the Cashel Valley Irrigation schemes under the National Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Programme in 2018. After DDF had completed rehabilitating 11 night storage dams, constructed five new weirs and opened sections of canals for forming and lining, Cyclone Idai struck,” he said.

Mr Chawatama said DDF immediately continued with the rehabilitation works starting with Cyclone Idai inflicted damages.
“The authority has identified new weir sites, rehabilitated access roads, de-silted weirs, canals and night storage dams at the affected schemes.

“We are also mobilising building materials such as stones, cement, fuels and other materials for forming and lining canals for particular schemes.

“The local community is also assisting us and they are also getting an income,” he said.
Cashel Valley Irrigation Schemes farmers said they were relieved that Government was assisting them by resuscitating the damaged structures.

They said they earn a living through farming and Cyclone Idai had negatively affected them as they lost crops because they could not continue irrigating them while others said they have failed to plant wheat this season as their area was still water logged.

Svinurayi B farmer Mr Law Tiengane, who lost more than 50 percent of his cabbage crop due to Cyclone Idai floods, said he was ready to resume operations as soon as the rehabilitation works are through.

“Irrigation enables me to produce cash crops throughout the year and earn an income. After the repairs, I will maximise production and boost my income,” he said.

Maraisi scheme farmer Mrs Janet Magodori, said the destruction of the irrigation structures by Cyclone Idai was a huge blow to the community.

“We send children to school using proceeds from our plots. We also get nutritious food for the families. The resuscitations of the irrigation schemes will help us to recover from the effects of the cyclone, “she said.

DDF dams and irrigation engineer Elisha Sibanda said they were resuscitating the structures using modern technology.
“The communities depend on farming for their livelihoods. It is noble for them to produce their own food and also earn a living than relying on hand outs,” he said.