Resuscitate irrigation schemes: Khanye

Politics
Never Khanye has urged the government to resuscitate irrigation schemes around the country to help boost food security in the face of widespread hunger caused by poor rainfalls.

ZANU PF Matobo North MP Never Khanye has urged the government to resuscitate irrigation schemes around the country to help boost food security in the face of widespread hunger caused by poor rainfalls. NDUDUZO TSHUMA STAFF REPORTER

Speaking in the National Assembly last week, Khanye said there was need to work together to resuscitate irrigation schemes dotted around the country.

“From my constituency, we have two irrigation schemes, mainly Arda (Agricultural and Rural Development Authority), Maphisa Estate and Valley.

“If all is done to revive these irrigation schemes, surely maize, our basic food can be planted and harvested within the constituency,” Khanye said.

He paid tribute to Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation Development minister Joseph Made for his efforts to revive the agricultural sector.

“There is need for a permanent solution to non-payment of money from government departments and council owed to Zinwa (Zimbabwe National Water Authority).

“As I speak, Maphisa growth point has no water. It has been disconnected by Zinwa for non-payment of about $20 000, yet the same rural district council is owed about $44 000 by the Health ministry,” Khanye said.

“At the end of the day, there will be an outbreak of diseases and it will be patients at our referral hospital Maphisa who will suffer the most.

“So, there is need for sister government departments to co-operate and solve their payments without affecting service delivery to the people.”

Khanye called for the construction of dams in his constituency. He lamented the shortage of doctors and medicine at Maphisa Rural District Hospital a referral centre for Matobo North and South.

“There is only one ambulance. I call upon the Health and Child Care minister to make available an additional two doctors, nurses and another ambulance.”

The legislator appealed to the Transport and Infrastructure Development ministry to complete the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road which still has a stretch of about 40km to be completed.

“If this road is completed, we appeal for a tollgate at Matobo Research Station so as to generate money and help to complete the Gwanda-Maphisa and Maphisa-Mpoengs Border post roads. This will bring good development to the entire district,” he added.