Zimpapers Logo

VP Mphoko

Zvamaida Murwira in Marondera
There is need to fully use agricultural equipment Government secured under a $98 million facility from Brazil as that will go a long way in ensuring the success of the economic blueprint Zim-Asset, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko said yesterday.

He said full use of land would shame detractors of the land reform programme embarked on by the Government at the turn of the millennium.

VP Mphoko said this after he toured Machiki Irrigation Scheme under Chief Svosve in Marondera district as part of assessment of the performance of the beneficiaries of the Brazilian agricultural equipment.

“In Africa, Zimbabwe is leading in land empowerment. In some countries land is still in the hands of whites. But here President Mugabe said land should be distributed to black people. Government secured equipment from Brazil, which was commissioned by President Mugabe, you should therefore fully utilise this equipment,” he said.

VP Mphoko hailed agricultural activities at Machiki agricultural scheme, saying he was still to see such a successful and professionally run agricultural project.

He said beneficiaries of the scheme had justified the decision by the Government to give them farm implements under the Brazilian loan facility.

“What you are doing here is great. I am impressed with your work. You are pushing Zim-Asset forward,” he said.

Turning to Government activities, VP Mphoko said he would next week convene a meeting of all ministries falling under his cluster to brainstorm on how to improve service delivery.

Some of them he said had to do with energy, education, information communication technology, water among others.

He said in the last Zanu-PF Politburo meeting, First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe had talked about her plans to revamp irrigation projects and utilisation of water bodies in the country.

“I know it will succeed because it is being spearheaded by a woman,” he said.

Earlier on Marondera East MP Cde Jeremiah Chiwetu appealed to VP Mphoko’s intervention for Government assistance for the district to fully utilise water bodies in the area that include Wenimbi Dam.

The event was attended by Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi who is also a local senator, Provincial Affairs Minister Ambrose Mutinhiri, Minister in VP Mphoko’s Office Cde Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, traditional leaders and senior Government officials.