Irrigation
in limbo as Chivi dams dry up
By Pertunia Gotoza M134281
CHIVI- Preparations for the winter irrigation season is hanging in the
balance in Chivi district amid reports that major water sources are drying up.
In an
exclusive interview, villagers recently revealed that they were not sure ifd
their winter crops will reach maturity stage since there might be no enough
water for irrigation as Tugwi River, which is the main source of water for the
majority of irrigation schemes in the district, is slowly but surely drying up.
The
irrigation schemes which are most affected by water shortage are Nyevedzanai,
Nyamakwe and the recently revamped Tizai in Chivi Central.
Mercy
Moyo who said she has a plot at Nyamakwe Irrigation scheme pleaded with
government and the local authority to avail funds for the refurbishment of dams
that were destroyed by water cyclones at the turn of the millennium.
“The dam
which used to supply water to the irrigation was destroyed by heavy rains
around 2002 and since then it was never repaired. We are getting water from
Tugwi River and the fear is that the remaining water might not pull us
throughout the winter cropping season. We survive by selling farm produce so we
plead with government to provide funding for refurbishment of our local dams,”
said Moyo.
She added
that they also pay school fees for their children using the money they realise
from selling the produce.
Taurai
Soro said they had pinned their hope for survival on Tizai irrigation which was
recently revamped but the latest developments in Tugwi River has left them with
no clue of what to do next in order to make a living.
“Chivi is
drought prone and over the years we have been saved by irrigation. This year we
received limited rains and the river is drying up before we even started the
winter irrigation. It we had dams the situation could have been different so we
plead with the local authority to refurbish some of the dams that were
destroyed by water,” said Soro.
Chivi
Central MP Ephraim Gwanongodza confirmed the development and said he was
looking for donors to assist in the refurbishment of dams that were destroyed
by water a decade ago.
“We are
aware of the situation and we are doing our level best to ensure that the
situation is back to normal. We understand that villagers rely much on
irrigation for a living because the area is often hit by drought. We have also
introduced income-generating projects like pen fattening and poultry in order
for villagers to have money for schools fees and other domestic use,” said Gwanongodza.
