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Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Manicaland Bureau
There is need to increase sustainable projects for people in Chipinge to reduce dependence on donor and Government aid and promote self-sustainability.

Speaking to The Herald, Chipinge Central Member of Parliament Cde Raymond Machingura said most people in his constituency were faced with hunger this year and needed a way to overcome this in the foreseeable future.

Parts of Chipinge are still reeling from the effects of Cyclone Idai coupled with a poor cropping season due to drought.

“We have been depending on Government and donors for some time now and the dependence has just become too high after the cyclone disaster. We are faced with hunger in almost all the wards, particularly those that were affected by the cyclone,” he said.

“For our people not to rely heavily on donations, we need projects to sustain them.”

Cde Machingura said if people have enough to eat, they would be motivated to produce more.

He said there was need to have sustainable gardens to help improve food security.

“Besides the sustainable gardens idea, we would like to see the chicken rearing project we started here recently grow. We have been selling road runner chickens and layers to villagers at affordable prices so that they can have something to sustain themselves. If one gets enough food for themselves, they are motivated to produce more for resale,” he said

Cde Machingura said there was need to establish irrigation projects to ensure that the villagers have enough water supply for their projects.

Meanwhile, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has partnered two school development committees in the reconstruction of two Chipinge schools that were destroyed by Cyclone Idai induced floods in March this year, writes Chipo Katsidzira.

ICZ and its members spearheaded the reconstruction of Rutengeni Primary and Secondary schools.

ICZ chairman Mr Panganai Sanangurai said the reconstruction of the schools was a way of helping get the learners’ to get back on  track.

“Many students in primary and secondary schools have had to deal with the aftermath of life changing events such as the loss of their parents, classmates, teachers and schools and we feel it was our duty as corporate citizens to assist to alleviate the plight of those affected by Cyclone Idai so that normalcy can be restored to their lives,” he said.

He said although Government had played a big role in restoring the destroyed infrastructure, it had also called on the private sector to come in and assist.

“While the Government has been working towards restoring damaged infrastructure in the affected areas, the task has been a massive one, hence Government’s call for help in rebuilding infrastructure,” he added.

Rutengeni Primary headmaster Mr Tanaka Chigwere expressed appreciation for the efforts and said it would improve the learning environment.