The committee, which is on a tour of ZINWA dam projects countrywide and has so far visited Kunzvi and Semwa Dams still under construction, said funding will ensure speedy completion of key dam projects.
Chair of the committee, Felix Saul Maburutse said it was important for more funds to be allocated towards irrigation development and completion of outstanding dam projects in the 2025 budget.
“On Saturday, we are proceeding to Gwayi- Shangani Dam, we will push for the 2025 budget to consider the finishing of the dam. If that Dam is finished, it will be a game changer for the whole Matabeleland region and that is what we are pushing for as a committee,” he said.
The Chivi South lawmaker said it was disheartening to note that capacity utilisation of some dams such as Tugwi Mukosi Dam which was officially opened in 2017, was still low.
He urged authorities to quickly set up irrigation systems and the mini-hydro power station to ensure full utilisation of the new dam.
“At Tugwi Mukosi, the largest dam in Zimbabwe, but the quantity of water we are using is very disappointing, yet the President is always preaching about irrigation development,” he said.
Tayedzwa Mutana, MP for Epworth South said water from dams such as Tugwi Mukosi should reach communities to enable them to grow their own food crops such as maize and wheat.
Member of Parliament for Mazowe Central, Maxmore Njanji, weighed in: “In the 2025 budget, more funds should go towards setting up irrigation infrastructure. We are going to push for adequate funding.”
Tsungirirai Rungwave, Masvingo MP concurred that Tugwi- Mukosi Dam water should be pumped to communities in Chivi district to avert food shortages.
ZINWA director for water supply services and rural development, Engineer Waddilove Mandiziba thanked the committee for pushing for more funding for unfinished projects.
“They also highlighted that they will be motivating for more budgetary support towards irrigation development.
There are irrigation schemes planned for the Tugwi Mukosi Dam both for communal and commercial purposes.
“The challenge that has stalled these projects is budgetary support,” he said.
New Ziana
