Harare, (New Ziana) – The Parliamentary Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has raised alarm over the under-utilisation and inefficiency of major irrigation schemes across the country, citing structural, financial, and governance-related shortcomings.
A report presented in Parliament revealed that despite heavy investments in irrigation infrastructure, many schemes are operating far below capacity. At Mushandike Irrigation Scheme, only 300 of the intended 847 hectares are under irrigation due to low dam water levels currently at 28 percent and significant losses from 8km of unlined canals, said the committee.
“Another major observation was the persistent problem of water losses resulting from poorly maintained irrigation canals, especially at Mushandike and similar schemes. The Committee was gravely concerned that unlined canals continue to cause significant water wastage, eroding the efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation efforts,” said the committee.
In Mberengwa, the Chaora Block remains stalled, with no land under irrigation despite plans for a 180-hectare scheme. The report said the delay stems from the government’s failure to meet contractual obligations, leaving critical infrastructure incomplete.
The report said at Chimwe Irrigation Scheme, poor leadership, outdated technology, and recurrent vandalism has rendered much of the 64-hectare site idle. The Committee said out of 2.2 million hectares of irrigable land potential, only 217,000 hectares have been developed, far short of the 2025 target of 350,000 hectares under the National Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan.
New Ziana
